Welsh Agriculture Act officially law after royal assent
© Tim Scrivener The Agriculture (Wales) Act is now in law for the first time after receiving royal assent on 17 August.
It will provide a platform for Welsh ministers to replace the EU’s common agricultural policy with their own policies.
The Welsh government said the act is key to supporting farmers and sustainable food production for generations to come.
See also: How will new Welsh Agriculture Act affect farmers?
It will also give ministers the ability to continue offering support to farm businesses in Wales during the transition period.
Future support is due to come through the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), but this is not due to be introduced until early 2025.
The new legislation will also make Wales the first UK country to completely ban snares and glue traps.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “This is a historic act. The first time ever Wales has been able to design its own policy for farming. It comes at a crucial time for the industry, as we shape future support and face the challenges of higher costs and the climate emergency.”
Mr Drakeford added that the act would allow the Welsh government to focus on the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of the agricultural sector.
His comments come after he announced he would leave the Senedd at the next election in 2026.
Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said: “There isn’t a choice between sustainable food production on our farms and tackling climate change.
“Both must go hand in hand as the climate emergency is a real threat to agriculture and production of food. The Agriculture Act takes this into account, ensuring sustainable land management is at the heart of future support safeguarding the industry.”