Government must make its policies ‘rural-proof’
A BUSINESS organisation has called on the Welsh Government to develop a new strategy to boost Wales’ rural economy.
In a new report, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) argues that the rural economy should not simply be considered an agricultural economy.
The report suggests that the Welsh rural economy must change to meet the challenges posed by Brexit and capitalise on any opportunities.
FSB Wales has also called for a taskforce to consider the settingup of a rural challenge fund, which would be an open fund designed to attract new ideas and new thinking for economic development in rural areas.
The emphasis would be on allowing rural areas to design their own projects and interventions.
Janet Jones, FSB Wales Policy chair, said: “As someone who runs a rural business which has itself diversified, I know the importance of diversification and ensuring our rural areas have the widest possible economic mix.
“It has arguably never been more important for policy-makers to understand the need for the rural-proofing of Welsh and UK Government policies. This would, we feel, be a key role for a taskforce.
“Last week’s Royal Welsh Show demonstrated the exciting depth and diversity of rural enterprises and gives us an opportunity to consider what more can be done to grow that diversity and provide opportunities of employment and economic prosperity within rural areas. The aim for our work is underscored by the idea that no area of Wales should be exempt from the ambition of economic development.
“At a time when we are seeing the growth of regional conversations about economy development, the output of a new taskforce as well as the thinking underpinning its deliberations would be an important testbed for the development of conversations around a possible Mid Wales Growth Deal, which we see as important to drive forward the conversation for that region.
“Rural areas have particular challenges and needs but are significant assets to Wales and, if properly supported, present some of the most exciting opportunities for business growth. However, now is the time to marshal thinking and resources to have a distinctive conversation and construct a new ambition for rural Wales.”