Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023

11 Multi-annual support plans

(1) The Welsh Ministers must prepare a plan, to be known as a “multi-annual support plan”, giving information about the expected use of the powers conferred on the Welsh Ministers by section 8 during the period to which the plan applies.

(2) A multi-annual support plan must—

(a) specify the period in relation to which it applies;

(b) set out how the Welsh Ministers intend to provide support during the period so as to best contribute to achieving the sustainable land management objectives (in accordance with section 2);

(c) where support is intended to be provided during the period under a scheme as mentioned in section 8(3), describe each scheme that—

(i) is in operation, or

(ii) the Welsh Ministers expect to come into operation during the period;

(d) describe any support intended to be provided during the period other than under a scheme as mentioned in section 8(3).

(3) The period in relation to which the first plan is to apply is the period of five years beginning with 1 January 2025.

(4) The period in relation to which subsequent plans are to apply may not be shorter than five years.

(5) The Welsh Ministers must ensure that a plan does not expire without a new plan being in place.

(6) A plan prepared under this section must be laid before Senedd Cymru, and published, by the Welsh Ministers—

(a) in the case of the first plan, as soon as reasonably practicable before the beginning of the period in relation to which it applies, and

(b) in the case of each subsequent plan, at least 12 months before the beginning of the period in relation to which it applies.

(7) If, before the end of the period in relation to which a plan applies, any information set out or described in the plan in accordance with paragraphs (b), (c) or (d) of subsection (2) ceases to be accurate or complete, the Welsh Ministers must amend the plan as soon as is practicable to do so.

(8) Where the Welsh Ministers amend the plan, they must as soon as reasonably practicable—

(a) publish the revised plan, and

(b) lay it before Senedd Cymru.