The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has expressed its disappointment at some of the missed opportunities in the Agriculture (Wales) Bill, as it progressed through its penultimate scrutiny stage on Tuesday 16 May.
Representatives of the FUW were in the gallery to watch Senedd Members debate amendments tabled on economic viability, support for new entrants and energy efficiency.
The landmark legislation will provide the framework for future agriculture support in Wales and is the first time Wales will have legislated in this way. Since the introduction of the Bill, the FUW has maintained that the absence of economic viability of agricultural businesses and family farms from the Sustainable Land Management objectives is a significant concern.
The FUW has been working hard to ensure that agricultural businesses get recognised for their contribution to the local economy and this has led to several positive changes in the Bill. However, the FUW has been consistent in its calls for the inclusion of an economic objective to ensure that farm businesses remain viable otherwise the wider environmental, social and cultural aspirations of the Bill will not be achieved.
The Senedd also voted to include a multi-annual support plan which would provide information about how Welsh Ministers intend to provide financial support. This has been a key demand of the FUW and is a provision which exists within the UK Agriculture Act. The inclusion of this amendment places farmers in Wales on an equal footing with those in England and gives some clarity to farmers when planning for their business’ future.
However, the FUW is disappointed that amendments tabled to explicitly include support for new and young entrants were unsuccessful.
In order to have a sustainable and thriving industry, doors must be opened to those wishing to enter the industry and the lack of amendments in this regard represents a missed opportunity. Since this opportunity has been missed, it is more important than ever that the Sustainable Farming Scheme is accessible for all farmers, including young farmers and new entrants.
The Bill will now move to Stage 4 of scrutiny in the Senedd and if passed will receive Royal Assent.