Senedd Members have voted in favour of the first made-in-Wales
Agriculture Bill which will be key in supporting farmers and
sustainable food production for generations to come.
The Bill, which has been led by the Rural Affairs Minister , will now seek Royal
Assent, and if approved, is expected to come into force in Wales
later this summer.
The main source of future Government support for farmers in Wales
will come through the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme. This
Bill provides Welsh Ministers with the powers necessary to
provide support in the future whilst also ensuring continued
support for farmers during a transition period, reflecting the
Cooperation Agreement commitment with Plaid Cymru.
Rural Affairs Minister said: “This is an
important moment for our farmers, our agriculture sector, and
Wales as a whole. At the heart of the Bill lie objectives to
support the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of
the Welsh agricultural sector.
“Today’s vote means we can now move ahead with delivering a
system of support developed in Wales which works for Wales,
including the Sustainable Farming Scheme to commence in 2025.
“A few weeks ago the CCC highlighted the importance of taking
action to tackle the climate emergency, and this first made in
Wales Agriculture Bill will be a vital tool in bringing this
about.
“It will ensure we can work more effectively with the sector in
tackling the climate and nature emergencies which pose the
biggest medium to long term threat to food production in Wales.
“We are committed to, and will continue to work with farmers to
ensure they stay on the land to produce food sustainably.
“The Wales Agriculture Bill will ensure agricultural tenants are
able to access financial support and are not unfairly restricted
from doing so.
“A complete ban on the inhumane use of glue traps and snares is
included in the Bill and means we will become the first nation in
the UK to introduce such a ban.
“It also amends the Forestry Act 1967 providing powers to better
protect wildlife and the environment during felling operations.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked with us on developing
the Bill, their input has been invaluable to ensure it recognises
and supports Welsh priorities.”
