The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has said that the Agriculture (Wales) Bill should have gone further, following discussion on its amendments in the Senedd on Tuesday (May 16).
The union believes that the bill has missed opportunities, and in particular that the absence of economic viability of agricultural businesses and family farms from the Sustainable Land Management objectives is a significant concern.
“We have been consistent in our calls for the inclusion of an economic objective because without viable farm businesses, we will not see the wider environmental, social and cultural gains that we all want to achieve,” FUW president Glyn Roberts said.
Union officials were also disappointed that the amendments tabled to support new and young entrants to farming were unsuccessful.
“In order to have a sustainable, thriving industry we must open doors to those wishing to enter the industry,” Roberts added.
“There was an opportunity if some amendments had been supported to ensure that there is support available to those new entrants who all too often struggle to get their foot on the ladder.
“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 union did welcome the amendment to include a multi-annual support plan in the bill, which will give information about how Welsh ministers expect to use their powers and set out how they plan to provide support.
FUW said this has been one of its key demands, and will place farmers in Wales on an equal footing to those in England.
The bill will now move to stage four.
