Deputy First Minister Mike German has become the new farming minister in a Welsh Assembly Cabinet reshuffle announced on Monday.

But the farming portfolio, held for the last two years by Carwyn Jones, has been beefed up with a new title - minister for rural development - with the added responsibility of economic issues relating to agriculture.

Rhodri Morgan has offered a key role

Mr German has also been given additional responsibility for the assembly's international relations, and will chair a sub-committee looking after the Wales and the world brief previously handled by First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

This will entail looking after the assembly's relationship with Europe, European Union enlargement and the Euro.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) pledged to work closely with Mr German and are due to meet with him within hours of the appointment for talks over the continuing farms crisis.

FUW President Bob Parry said: "Mike German is already well known to us at the union because of his general support for agriculture."

"I believe that his interest in agricultural matters will give him a head start in dealing with the highly complex and contentious issues that are of concern to our members."

Carwyn Jones was appointed in June 2000

Farming unions have also paid tribute to the former Rural Affairs Minister Carwyn Jones who has lost half of his portfolio but remains the assembly's business organiser.

Rhodri Morgan reinstated Mr German as his right-hand man last week, after police inquiries into his previous business dealings were dropped.

There had been allegations that he misused a corporate credit card while he was employed by the examinations board, the Welsh Joint Education Committee.

The teacher-turned-politician had always denied any wrong-doing. All along, he described the campaign as a "witch hunt" and claimed it was "politically motivated".

On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service had decided that after nearly a year of investigation by South Wales Police that there was not enough evidence to bring Mr German to trial.

Support from farm union leader Bob Parry

Mr German said: "I am absolutely delighted once and for all that this is behind me. The past year has been the most difficult of my life."

He stepped down as deputy first minister and economic development minister 11 months ago when the inquiry began, but was back in the cabinet within hours of the CPS's announcement.

Under the terms of the Labour-Lib Dem coalition, the Liberal Democrats are entitled to two of the Cabinet portfolios.

Jenny Randerson AM has been carrying out the deputy first Minster duties in Mr German's absence while also maintaining her other post as culture minister.

One of Mr German's first high-profile engagements in his new role is likely to be a visit to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in July.

Two years ago there was criticism when Rhodri Morgan sacked Christine Gwyther on the eve of the show - throwing her replacement, Carwyn Jones, in at the deep end.