In a debate in Cardiff on Tuesday, Welsh AMs backed emergency proposals for an Advisory Panel to fill the gap left by the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board, which governed pay and conditions for agricultural workers in England and Wales.

In the Welsh Assembly, AMs backed the broad principles of a Bill brought forward by Natural Resources minister Alun Davies, who is seeking to implement a new body to manage relationships in the industry as a "matter of urgency".

Mr Davies said he wanted to preserve the current system "that is well established… well understood and well known in the agricultural sector," and ensure "continued support for the agriculture industry in Wales." He warned last year that the abolition of the AWB would exacerbate rural poverty in Wales.

Although UK government ministers claim the board's closure will bring agriculture into line with other industries governed by minimum wage laws and allow the market to dictate pay and conditions, critics maintain that the graded pay scheme and special conditions negotiated under the AWO will not be covered by current legislation. They warn that AWB closure will amount to a transference of wealth from workers to their employers; Defra's own consultation documents appear to attest to this.

The Welsh government, along with much of the country's agriculture industry, fiercely opposed the board's demise. However, they were effectively side-stepped by Whitehall, who claimed wage control is not a devolved issue.  

Although the Welsh government's bid to set up an Advisory Board was supported this week, opposition ministers criticised the lack of provision for an independent body under the new proposals, which they claimed could lead to the government setting pay levels.

Under the AWB, pay rates were negotiated by farmers' representatives in the NFU and employers' from trade unions. Talks were arbitrated by government representatives.   

The bill is due to be voted on next week, following further debates. If passed, it will enter into law in time to protect workers from the effects of AWB closure, which will be completed in October, when the current Agricultural Wages Order expires.