The first made-in-Wales Agriculture Act is now law, having received Royal Assent today (17 August 2023).
The Agriculture (Wales) Act is key in supporting farmers and sustainable food production for generations to come.
The main source of future Government support for farmers in Wales underpinned by the Act will come through the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme. This Act 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.
It also paves the way for the banning of snares and glue traps, with Wales becoming the first UK nation to introduce a complete ban. The Act provides tenant farmers with a route to dispute resolution to ensure they are not unfairly restricted from accessing financial assistance.
It also alters the Forestry Act 1967 to give Natural Resources Wales the power to add conditions to amend, suspend or revoke felling licenses to prevent felling that would contradict other environmental legislation.
It also replaces time limited powers in the Agriculture Act 2020 which are due to expire in December 2024.
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