Agenda and minutes

1.1 The Chair welcomed Members to the first virtual meeting of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee.

1.2 In accordance with Standing Order 34.19, the Chair stated that he had determined that the public were excluded from the Committee’s meeting in order to protect public health.

1.3 The Chair stated that if for any reason he dropped out of the meeting, the Committee agreed that Jenny Rathbone MS would become Temporary Chair in accordance with Standing Order 17.22.

Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs

Gian Marco Currado, Director, Environment – Welsh Government

Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer – Welsh Government

John Howells, Director Climate Change, Energy and Planning – Welsh Government

Dean Medcraft, Director Finance & Operations – Welsh Government

Keith Smyton, Head of Food Division – Welsh Government

2.1 Members questioned the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs and her officials about Covid-19, its impact on the agriculture sector, food supply and animal welfare, and her department’s response to date to the pandemic.

3.1 The Committee noted the paper.

4.1 The motion was agreed.

5.1 Members considered the evidence heard during the scrutiny session. They agreed to write to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs to request further information on some of the issues raised during the session.

6.1 The Committee discussed and agreed its Forward Work Programme.

7.1 The Committee discussed and agreed its draft Report, subject to a minor amendment.