The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has renewed its call for the addition of a fifth objective in the Agriculture (Wales) Bill to ensure that farm economics and viability are encompassed under the Welsh Government's Sustainable Land Management (SLM) framework.

The necessity of an objective relating to farm incomes was discussed by the FUW at a recent Environment, Trade and Rural Affairs (ETRA) Committee evidence session held in Cardiff.

Speaking after the evidence session, FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright said:

"We welcomed the opportunity to give evidence at the committee stage.  This Bill, if designed appropriately, represents a chance to develop farming policies which are tailored for the needs of those living and working in Wales and underpins the biggest change for Welsh agriculture since the UK joined the European Union.

"As it stands, the objectives contained in the Bill are solely derived from the definition  of SLM used by the United Nations.  This definition states that the use of land resources, for the production of goods to meet changing human needs, must  simultaneously ensure the long-term potential of these resources and the maintenance of their environmental benefits."  

The FUW, Dr Wright added, is not opposed to this definition per se, however wider definitions of SLM exist and Covid-19, the war in the Ukraine and the rising costs of imports continue to demonstrate that the core principle of safe and secure food supplies remains valid.  

"Those living and working in Wales continue to require policies which protect domestic food security and food production whilst recognising the role of agriculture in helping meet Welsh climate change, wellbeing and diversity goals," she said.  

The Committee further heard that the SLM objectives are of immense significance to the agricultural sector in Wales as they represent the ideologies that will underpin the future financial support provided via the secondary legislation pertaining to the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

"The 1947 Agriculture Act was designed to ensure enough affordable food to feed the UK in a way which provides fair incomes for farmers and agricultural workers and a fair return on their investment.  Similarly, the EU's CAP was launched in 1962 and was predominantly designed to ensure an adequate and secure food supply. 

"We therefore believe it appropriate that the list of SLM objectives be lengthened to create an objective which explicitly seeks to ensure the economic stability of farming families.  Indeed, whilst there is a narrative around sustainable food production, there are currently no direct rewards for it, nor are there direct rewards for the supply of safe, traceable, high standard food or the protection of domestic food security. 

"Without such inclusion, subsequent policies may allow for the provision of future schemes under the same overarching framework created by the Bill whilst placing no obligations on Welsh Ministers to look after the financial viability and well-being of farmers," she added.

The FUW continues to scrutinise and evaluate the 500 pages of legislation, Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment and will be submitting formal written evidence outlining members' concerns in due course. 

"We will continue to work with Members of the Senedd and relevant Committees to ensure that the new Bill protects and enhances family farms in Wales", said Dr Wright.