THE Welsh Government has called for new powers for Wales to be included in the English Agriculture Bill currently before Parliament.

The bill introduces major changes in the way farmers will receive subsidies. Under the farmers will be paid for "public goods" such as protecting water and air quality, boosting wildlife and tackling climate change.

Wales rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths has asked the UK Government to include powers for Welsh ministers until an Agriculture (Wales) Bill is brought forward to design a ‘Made in Wales’ system .

Ms Griffiths said: "The powers being taken for Welsh ministers are intended to be temporary until an Agriculture (Wales) Bill is brought forward to design a ‘Made in Wales’ system which works for Welsh agriculture, rural industries and our communities.

"Provisions relating to Wales are contained in a separate schedule.

"The bill introduced on January 16 provides powers for the Welsh ministers to continue paying direct payments to farmers beyond 2020 and gives our farmers much needed stability during this period of uncertainty. It also contains certain other powers, including those which are important to ensure the effective operation of the internal market in the UK."

She added that given the passage of time since the original bill was first introduced in September 2018, and taking into account the reports provided by the Senedd during scrutiny her intention was now bring forward an Agriculture (Wales) Bill.

"I intend to publish a white paper towards the end of 2020 which will set out the context for the future of Welsh farming and pave the way for an Agriculture (Wales) Bill," she said.

"Overall, the introduction of the bill is an important step to provide stability as we look towards transitioning to a new system of farm support in Wales."