Wales’ Environment and Rural Affairs cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths was in Brussels on Monday, discussing how Wales can work with partners in the EU to continue to develop agricultural, rural, marine and environmental policies in the wake of the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

The news comes after Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing announced that the Scottish government is “considering all options” to secure the best deal for Scotland’s citizens and “protect [their] place in Europe” ahead of industry talks last month. The Scottish secretary highlighted agricultural support and trade relations as key benefits of the EU.

The Welsh cabinet secretary met with industry representatives, the EU’s Agriculture and Health Commissioners and the President of the Commission to discuss how Wales’ new far-reaching environment legislation  - the Environment (Wales) Act, which was passed in March this year - will support  further progress in areas like recycling, decarbonisation and biodiversity.

Like the Scottish government, Wales is seeking to retain access to the European single market, which Lesley Griffiths said is a major boon for Wales’ food and drink industry. The Rural affairs secretary promised to pursue this case with the UK government.

On Monday, Griffiths said, “EU policies and legislation have delivered clear improvements to our environment and health and provided welcome protection and support for our farming and fishing industries. As the UK prepares to leave the EU we will be looking at how these important safeguards can be built upon to meet Welsh needs.

“Our European partners are very important to us. Wales is an outward looking nation, and it is now more important than ever that we work with our partners to forge the best possible outcome for Wales.”