Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I laid the Agricultural Sector (Wales) Act 2014 (Continuation of Effect) Order 2018 on 5 March 2018, and I'm presenting the Order today for debate in the National Assembly. The Act contains a sunset clause that states that it will fall if no action is taken to preserve it by 30 July 2018. The Order will preserve the Act, and the Welsh Government's commitment to ensure fair wages and employment terms and conditions for agricultural workers continues to operate in practice.

In the summer of 2017, I consulted on the operation and effect of the Act. The resulting report on the review of the Agricultural Sector (Wales) Act 2014 was laid before the National Assembly on 27 February this year. The report highlighted how the Act has supported rural communities and ensured that workers in the agricultural sector receive fair pay. It also identified how the Act supports my commitment to the long-term viability and success of the agricultural industry in Wales. The Act has enabled fair minimum wage rates to be set for agricultural workers in accordance with their responsibilities and skill sets. The minimum pay rates and allowances safeguard household incomes and support local communities to thrive across Wales. This reflects the importance of the contribution agriculture makes to our economy, environment and rural communities, which is crucial to the further development of a prosperous, resilient and more equal Wales. The Act supports the development of an appropriately skilled agricultural workforce necessary for the long-term viability of agricultural businesses and the wider industry, and important to our rural communities. We also know that sustainable employment is the best route out of poverty.

The agricultural advisory panel for Wales was established under the Act on 1 April 2016. In the short time since establishment, the panel has undertaken a significant amount of work. The first Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order prepared by the panel took effect on 1 April 2017. This was replaced by a new Order on 1 April 2018, which takes account of increases in the national minimum wage. The panel quickly established its statutory skills development and training sub-committee, demonstrating its commitment to helping to improve the long-term future of the industry. The panel, along with its sub-committee, is investigating the provision of professional development, and has commissioned research on the labour market to identify priority areas in need of improvement. This was commissioned in partnership with the food and drink Wales industry board to ensure there is consideration of the whole food and drink supply chain and to achieve economies of scale. The findings of the research are expected later this month.

Retaining the agricultural minimum wage regime in Wales and implementing the Act provide benefits for the whole sector and rural economies. It underpins the Welsh Government's vision of a modern, professional and profitable agricultural industry, and this Order will ensure these benefits continue. Thank you.