Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Today, I have launched a twelve week consultation to consider how agricultural productivity in Wales can be maximised by reform of agricultural tenancy legislation in Wales.
Agricultural tenancies play a very important part in shaping farming practices in Wales, with approximately 30% of total farmed land being rented under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986, Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 or informal agreements or grazing licences.
As we approach Brexit, it is vitally important all elements of the farming industry in Wales are resilient, productive, prepared for the future and able to access new land management schemes.
This important consultation runs concurrently with a similar Defra consultation and is informed by the recommendations brought forward by the Tenancy Reform Industry Group. The principal aim is to consider how farmers can increase and maximise productivity by modernising farming practices and eliminating outdated or restrictive farming practices and what changes would need to be made to agricultural tenancy legislation to allow this to happen.
The consultation closes on 2 July 2019. I welcome responses to allow me to consider what changes, if any, are needed to allow Wales’ agricultural sector and rural economy to thrive in the future.