Agricultural Advisory Panel meeting: 18 November 2024
Minutes of the meeting held virtually over Microsoft Teams.
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In this page
Present
Chair – Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones
Independents – Janatha Stout, Trefor Owen
FUW – Mark Williams
Unite – Jo Galazka, Barrie Roberts
Legal Adviser – Helen Snow (Geldards)
Welsh Government – David Thomas, Sian Hughes, Ryan Davies
Guests
Laura Jones and Georgina Withers Boalch (Law Commission).
Apologies
Simon Davies (NFU Cymru), Dan Ricketts (WG).
Item 1: housekeeping/apologies/conflict of interest
The Chair welcomed all attendees to the meeting and noted the absence of Simon Davies (NFU) and Dan Ricketts (WG), who had sent apologies. RD was assigned to take minutes in Dan's absence.
Item 2: chair’s update
The chair updated members on the invitation sent to the Low Pay Commission for a discussion, noting that a response had not yet been received.
Item 3: Law Commission Project Introduction
Laura Jones and Georgina Withers-Boalch from the Law Commission introduced the Agricultural Law in Wales project, explaining the remit to review and simplify existing laws without making policy recommendations.
- Agricultural Law Codification: Laura Jones and Georgina Withers-Boalch discussed the scope of the project, including the challenges of defining the boundaries of agricultural law and the potential benefits of codification for accessibility and clarity.
- Definition of Agriculture: the chair and TO raised concerns about the current definition of agriculture and its fit for modern practices. Laura Jones explained the project's limitations in changing policy but noted the importance of clarity in definitions.
- Forestry and Agricultural Law: TO enquired about the inclusion of forestry in the agricultural law project. Laura Jones confirmed that forestry law is under consideration, reflecting the broader scope of agricultural law.
- Impact of Codification on the Panel: the chair questioned the impact of codification on the Panel's work. Laura Jones explained that codification aims to simplify and consolidate laws, which should make it easier for the Panel and others to find relevant information.
Item 4: minutes and action points of AAP 49
There were no alterations required and all members agreed the minutes were a true and accurate account of meeting AAP 49.
Item 5: the Agricultural Wages Order 2025
Consultation responses on 2025 order: the panel reviewed consultation responses, particularly from the Association of Labour Providers, discussing points on minimum pay rates, overtime rules, holiday pay, and technical drafting changes. They decided to maintain their original proposals while considering some points for future discussion.
Technical and drafting changes: HS addressed technical and formatting changes suggested by Welsh Government legal services, including clarifications on definitions and the removal of outdated provisions. The Panel agreed to these changes.
ACTION POINT 1: secretariat to draft letter to send with the 2025 order to the Deputy First Minister outlining the changes made and rationale behind the decisions.
ACTION POINT 2: secretariat to submit the changes proforma to legal services ahead of the submission of the 2025 order.
Items 6 and 7: panel internal review and terms of reference
The panel discussed the internal review and updated terms of reference, which incorporates feedback from the review to ensure consistency in language, particularly regarding the scope of agricultural work and the nature of their deliberations.
The chair asked members if they could identify any additional issues that the panel had resolved, which could be incorporated into the paper.
ACTION POINT 3: secretariat to recirculate the original draft panel review paper as discussed in July, for members to amend where necessary
Item 8: Welsh Government update
DT updated members on the current position on the SFS announcement, noting it had been delayed until the following week due to today’s protest in London.
SH provided updates on the establishment of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (MEDR) and the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill, noting potential impacts on the panel's work.
Item 9: any other business
JG proposed hosting an event to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Agricultural Sector (Wales) Act 2014, aiming to raise awareness of the panel's work among politicians and stakeholders.
ACTION POINT 4: secretariat and panel members to explore the idea further.
Next Meeting: 25 February 2025 via MS Teams (to also incorporate the Skills, Development and Training Subcommittee).