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Agriculture Bill - Sitting 10 (Afternoon)

03 March 2020

Proposing MP
Ruth Jones Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Ruth Jones discusses amendments aimed at ensuring fair dealings in the agricultural supply chain. Ruth Jones is discussing the need for clarity and comprehensive regulation in the Agriculture Bill, particularly regarding fair trading practices. Ruth Jones proposes amendments to clause 27 of the Agriculture Bill, suggesting changes to the regulation and oversight of agricultural contracts. Ruth Jones is discussing amendments to ensure competent oversight for agricultural contracts by a body like the Groceries Code Adjudicator's office rather than the Rural Payments Agency. Victoria Prentis discusses the recognition of producer organisations under competition law and the amendment proposed by Deidre Brock regarding Scottish Minister consent for regulations. Ruth Jones discusses the importance of respecting Wales as an equal partner in UK relations and supports technical amendments to reflect this. Ruth Jones is moving an amendment to make it a requirement for the Government to introduce regulations that provide tenant farmers with the ability to object to their landlord's refusal to allow them to enter financial assistance schemes. Ruth Jones is discussing amendments to strengthen protections for agricultural tenants under the 1995 Act, ensuring they have access to financial assistance and can challenge restrictive clauses in their tenancy agreements. Ruth Jones discusses her reservations about the Agriculture Bill's provisions regarding farm tenancies but ultimately decides not to press for a vote on her amendment. Daniel Zeichner discusses the importance and complexities of mandatory labelling for meat and dairy products to improve consumer understanding and support higher animal welfare standards. Victoria Prentis discusses the Agriculture Bill, specifically addressing Clause 35 and Clause 36 regarding marketing standards and organic products regulations.

Action Requested

The amendments propose regulations obligating business purchasers to ensure fair dealing with sellers within a year of the Act's passage. They also suggest establishing a Groceries Code Adjudicator as the regulator for enforcing these measures.

Key Facts

  • Amendments 77, 78, and 79 aim to address fairness in agricultural supply chains.
  • The National Farmers Union supports obligatory regulations within 12 months of the Act's implementation.
  • The Groceries Code Adjudicator should oversee fair dealings between business purchasers and producers.
  • Ruth Jones seeks clarity and transparency in the Agricultural Bill.
  • The debate involves addressing fair trading practices across various agricultural sectors.
  • Amendments aim to ensure comprehensive regulation and consultation with industry representatives.
  • Ruth Jones proposes amendment 82 in clause 27.
  • Amendment 83 aims to insert provisions for determining complaints related to non-compliance under section 27(8)(a) of the Agriculture Act 2020.
  • Amendments 80 and 81 propose inserting 'competent and appropriate' after certain phrases in clause 27.
  • The amendments aim to ensure effective oversight of agricultural contracts by a competent body like the Groceries Code Adjudicator's office.
  • External organisations such as the Tenant Farmers Association believe the Government should have an expanded role in agriculture and food supply chains.
  • No decisions have been made yet about enforcement or the regulatory body responsible.
  • The amendment seeks to give Scottish Ministers discretion over regulations under section 28 or 29.
  • Competition law is reserved to the UK Parliament.
  • Amendments 51 to 61 are consequential and update references from 'the National Assembly for Wales' to 'Senedd Cymru'.
  • Amendments 51 to 61 are technical consequential amendments.
  • The Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 changes the name of the Welsh legislature to “Senedd Cymru” or “the Welsh Parliament”.
  • Amendment 87 aims to change 'may' to 'must' for introducing regulations.
  • Tenant farmers welcome recognition and additional measures to protect them under the Bill.
  • The current countryside stewardship scheme requires tenants to have their landlord’s consent.
  • Nearly half of the tenanted land in England is now let under the 1995 provisions.
  • Over a quarter of the tenanted land in Wales is covered by the 1995 Act.
  • Amendments aim to ensure that tenants can challenge restrictive clauses and access financial assistance.
  • Ruth Jones has reservations about the important area of farm tenancies.
  • She looks forward to further discussions with Daniel Zeichner.
  • The amendment is withdrawn without being pressed to a vote.
  • Since EU law required egg labels in 2004, there has been a significant shift towards free-range eggs.
  • Around 52% of all UK eggs come from cage-free systems.
  • Proper labelling would help consumers make informed choices and reward producers for higher standards.
  • The amendment seeks to change 'may' to 'must' regarding marketing standards.
  • Current EU marketing standards will be rolled over into UK law using powers in the withdrawal Act.
  • New organics regulation 848/2018 from the EU is scheduled for January 2021, after the transition period.
  • The current organics regulation, 834/2007, will form part of retained EU law.
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