Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Since the formation of the Agricultural Sector (Wales) Act 2014, the independent Agricultural Advisory Panel has continued to advise and make recommendations to the Welsh Government on agricultural skills development and the minimum agricultural wage.
Today I signed the Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order 2019, which sets the minimum wage for all agricultural workers in Wales, together with their minimum conditions of employment.
The Agricultural Advisory Panel has, in making their recommendation, taken into account the National Minimum Wage and significant issues facing the sector, not least of which being the implications of Brexit.
The Agricultural Minimum Wage sees an increase of 5% for Grade 1 workers (aged 25+) and a 4% increase for Grade 1 workers (16-24 years of age) and Year 2 Apprentice (aged 18-24). An increase of 2% has been set for workers employed at other grades and for additional allowances.
The provisions of the new Order will apply from today.
Welsh Government remains committed to the objectives of the Agricultural Sector (Wales) Act 2014. This important piece of legislation has a direct link to combating poverty in rural Wales and supporting the objectives of the Wellbeing for Future Generations Act.
Ensuring agricultural workers receive pay, which recognises the important role they play in the Welsh agricultural sector whilst contributing to the rural economy, and environment, is of paramount importance and a key goal of this Government. This Order bolsters my commitment to support the viability of the agricultural sector as we move in to a new chapter for the industry in Wales.
I am grateful to the Panel and its Chair, Lionel Walford, for their considerable efforts in bringing the new wages order forward.