Agriculture (Wales) Bill

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Did you know that almost 90% of the land in Wales is farmland? Therefore, it’s critical that farmers are supported to manage land in a way that helps tackle both the climate and nature crisis. However, Wales is one of the most nature depleted nations in the world. In part this is because of intensive farming, but as we all know there are many farmers already helping nature and more would if the right incentives were in place.

Thankfully, that may all be about to change! Welsh Government is changing the way farming is funded across Wales through a new piece of law called the Agriculture (Wales) Bill. If a strong Bill is passed, then farmers will be paid for something called a ‘public good;’ land that has a benefit to all people and not just the landowner. This might be storing more carbon in peatbogs through making them wet again, planting more trees, or creating wetlands to help stop flooding. The Bill will enable new farm subsidies paid for by you the Welsh taxpayer. This is important as farming is the backbone to many rural communities and is especially important to Welsh culture, and language.

What do you need from me?

To make all of this happen, we need your help. Farming is devolved so decisions about farming are made in Cardiff in the Senedd. We are asking you to write to your Member of the Senedd (MS) to ask for a Bill that is strong for nature and fair to our farmers for generations to come. A Bill that will put nature first and recognise farmers as the vital stewards of the land that they are. We are asking for support for farmers to produce food sustainably, create homes for wildlife and manage land to store carbon. We want to see farms doing the best they can for climate and wildlife, all across Wales!

Wildlife Trusts Wales in partnership with the RSPB, the Woodland Trust, and WWF are working together to make sure that as many people as possible can talk to their MS. Your e-action will make sure the Bill will:  

1. Restore and maintain farmland wildlife and the environment
2. Significantly reduce harmful emissions that are contributing to climate change
3. Stop using imported animal feeds linked to destroying the natural world overseas
4. Develop opportunities to diversify food production for local markets
5. Support opportunities for community ownership, new entrants, better public access, and engagement in land use decisions