KIRSTY Williams AM is encouraging people or organisations with an interest in tenant farming to engage with a new consultation which sets forward proposals to overhaul agricultural tenancy laws.

Aims of the proposals including modernising the sector, removing barriers to productivity levels, and making it easier for structural changes in the tenant farming sector.

Around 30 per cent of the land farmed in Wales is rented, with the two main pieces of legislation governing agricultural tenancies being the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 and the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995.

The Welsh Government’s ‘Agricultural Tenancy Reform’ consultation, launched on April 9 and running for 12 weeks, focuses on four distinct areas:

1. Proposals to facilitate structural change

2. Proposals to facilitate productivity, investment and environmental improvements

3. Non-legislative options

4. An open call for evidence

Existing legislation on agricultural tenancy applies to England and Wales, and the Welsh Government’s consultation runs alongside one from the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in Westminster.

Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, said:

“Tenant farmers are a vital part of the farming sector, covering around 30% of farmed land in Wales and offering a different route into agriculture.

“There are many challenges that are specific to this type of farming and I hope this consultation will be a catalyst for the action that tenant farmers need – providing stability for landowners and tenants, and boosting productivity as a whole.

“For those with an interest this is an opportunity to get your voice heard by responding.”