NFFN Cymru welcomes the introduction of both the Welsh Agriculture Bill and Food Bill that have been put before the Senedd.  These Bills, which will be the first of their kind in Wales can help establish an effective framework for Welsh food and farming.  Ultimately, they must help ensure the production of healthy and sustainable food in Wales, underpinned by agroecological principles to address the climate and ecological emergencies, the public health crisis, the rise in household food insecurity and issues surrounding farmers and those working in the food sector struggling to make a living.

What is the Welsh Agriculture Bill?

The Agriculture (Wales) Bill was debated in the Senedd this week.  If you’re unfamiliar with the Bill, look no further than the Senedd Research Service’s useful and easy-reading Bill Summary.  It’s worth a look if you’re interested in all things policy. 

Following the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee's open consultation on the Agriculture (Wales) Bill, a Stage 1 Report has been published which includes a list of 30 recommendations to the Welsh Government.  NFFN Cymru, who submitted written evidence and provided oral evidence, is mentioned 17 times in the report, and many of the recommendations put forward by the Senedd to the Welsh Government reflect or address NFFN Cymru’s comments and concerns.  This clearly demonstrates the value of having a seat at the table during these important policy discussions.  

A written statement from Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs outlines some of the amendments that are to be made to the Bill. These include helping rural communities to thrive and strengthening links between agricultural businesses and their communities, improving the resilience of agricultural businesses, sustaining the Welsh language and promoting and facilitating its use.

This is an important piece of legislation which set Welsh Agriculture’s support framework for the next 15-20 years.

Key Points

• NFFN Cymru welcomes the introduction of a Wales Agriculture Bill. Nature-friendly farming can help tackle many societal issues, including the nature and climate crises, food insecurity and the decline in public health. The Bill is the first step in developing an agriculture policy that puts sustainable farming at its heart.

• We recommend that the Bill defines Food Security based on the six interconnected dimensions of food security.

• We recommend that the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation’s 10 Elements of Agroecology be used as guiding principles for the Bill.

• The Bill should include a duty for Ministers to bring forward National Minimum Standards for agriculture prior to the launch of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

• Whilst we welcome the proposed duty to report on the success and effectiveness of future agricultural support – this needs to be backed up by effective and adequately funded on-farm monitoring and data gathering. 

• We broadly agree with the purposes that will allow Welsh Ministers to provide support for or in connection with agriculture in Wales. Evidence shows that farming with nature, within the natural carrying capacity of the land, not only benefits the environment but also improves farm profitability.

• The full transition to a fully funded Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) should be completed by 2030, with this transition starting as soon as possible.   

Wales Food Bill

NFFN Cymru gave oral evidence to the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee’s consultation on the Food (Wales Bill).  We highlighted how a Wales Food Bill can help facilitate nature-friendly farming and deliver multiple benefits across the food system. If you want to know more, read our recap blog, our written response or a transcript of the evidence session.

NFFN Cymru’s response

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a framework that helps farmers produce sustainable food whilst simultaneously tackling the nature and climate crises. We welcome the Wales Agriculture Bill, but more clarity is needed on what the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme will entail. We urge the Welsh Government to maintain its direction of travel and create a scheme that facilitates sustainable food production and rewards positive environmental work. Now is not the time to water down ambition. This is a pivotal period for creating a truly sustainable Welsh agricultural sector.

Get involved

Building on NFFN Cymru’s key asks in our recent Rethink Food report, we will continue to engage in the development of the Welsh Agriculture Bill and the Food Bill.