The Board is intended to largely be made up of farmers from different parts of Wales and farming backgrounds. Equally, the chair of the Board will also be a farmer.
Officials representing three, key industry organisations – the National Farmers Union Cymru, Farmers’ Union of Wales and the British Veterinary Association Welsh branch – will also be appointed.
Finally, there will be three ex officio members representing the Welsh Government (2) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (1).
Letters of appointment have been sent, and I will release further details once I have received confirmation of acceptance.
The Board will meet quarterly and will consider evidence and advice from the TB Technical Advisory Group (TAG), as well as from others. The Board will provide strategic advice to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
Early priorities for the Board will include: agreeing its “ways of working” and terms of reference, consideration of the TAG’s advice in relation to the 6-yearly review of Wales’ TB eradication targets, and exploring how to improve communications and engagement with farmers and vets.
I am particularly happy to make this announcement as it shows the Welsh Government’s clear commitment to listening to industry and placing partnership working at the very centre of the Bovine TB Eradication Programme.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.