SINCE discussions began on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), I have been arguing in favour of a strong budget.
The funds provided under the CAP, through both pillars, are vital not only for our farmers, but for the wider rural community as well.
The investment in the many projects across Wales not only offers benefit to the local population but contributes to developing innovative and resourceful ways of thinking
To highlight the value of these projects, earlier this month I hosted an exhibition in the European Parliament in Brussels on Rural Wales, Developing a Sustainable Economy.
The exhibition showcased five fantastic projects from across rural Wales.
Each project was different but they had one thing in common; they all benefit from European Union Rural Development funding and use this money in order to promote a sustainable economy.
Community Foodie is a project led by Bridgend council in cooperation with the Vale of Glamorgan and Torfaen councils, which encourages local people to grow their own produce.
The project aims to develop growing areas for communal use while inviting communities to develop horticultural skills though knowledge sharing.
Also involved was Denbighshire Green Tourism which is managed by Cadwyn Clwyd. This project focuses on the area's culture, heritage and natural environment, boosting the area's potential while encouraging a new, sustainable kind of tourism.
It has launched initiatives such as Accessible Denbighshire, a production of web pages providing information for those with disabilities.
Also on display was the work of the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW), who work closely with organisations such as Farming Connect to help farmers run their businesses more efficiently by contributing to training programmes.
The exhibition displayed the examples of two farmers, Dilwyn Jenkins and Tudur Jones, who had both benefited from the scheme.
Tourism Clusters is part of the Cynnal y Cardi project managed by Ceredigion Council. This project encourages tourism-related businesses to work together.
For example, the Gardens and Growers cluster is a cooperation between Ceredigion Growers' Association and local nurseries and gardens.
A book, The Plant Lovers' Guide to Ceredigion, was produced as a directory to the gardens of Ceredigion.
Our final project was Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd from Carmarthenshire Council, which provides community groups with the tools and skills to carry out projects in order to conserve, upgrade and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Events on the history and culture of the Tywi Valley were arranged as part of the project and around 18,000 metres of hedgerow was restored using traditional methods
The exhibition was an eye-catching display of beautiful photos from all across Wales. Representatives from the projects travelled to Brussels to discuss their work with elected members and EU officials.
It was also a great occasion for the projects to meet each other to discuss possible future cooperation.
Of course, no Welsh event would be complete without a selection of some of the fine produce Wales has to offer.
At the reception, we had an assortment of fantastic cheeses from Blaenafon Cheddar Company, ales from Otley's Brewery and Rhymney Brewery as well as white and rosé wine from Cariad Wine at Llanerch Vineyard.
The exhibition certainly reinforced what I have always said: that rural development funding is a valuable tool to stimulate the economy and achieve sustainability.