The Welsh government is making £227 million available for the Welsh rural economy over the next three years, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced.

The funding's aim is to work towards Wales' climate change goals and to repond to the ending of the EU Rural Development Programme (RDP), which will close in 2023.

It also compliments the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which will reward farmers and land managers for the work they do to meet the challenges of the climate and nature emergencies alongside the sustainable production of food, with benefits for food security in Wales and globally.

The funding, which will be available to support farmers, foresters, land managers and associated rural sectors, will be delivered across six themes:

Announcing the funding, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths said:

“Our rural economy plays a crucial role in the way we live our lives. It provides us with the quality food we eat, the natural resources we enjoy and supports communities and livelihoods across Wales.

“We know it continues to face many challenges, not least climate change which threatens our land, impacts water and air quality and puts further pressures on biodiversity.

“The significant funding I am announcing will be key in supporting our farmers, foresters, land managers and food businesses to promote the sustainable production of food and to meet the challenges ahead, supporting the pace and scale of change needed to support the rural economy on the path to a net zero, nature positive Wales.”