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Agriculture Act 1986
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Agriculture Act 1986, Section 17 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 23 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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Changes and effects yet to be applied to Section 17:
- s. 17-20 repealed by 2024 asp 11 sch. 2 Pt. 1
Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:
- Blanket amendment words substituted by S.I. 2011/1043 art. 3 4
17 Duty to balance interests in exercise of agricultural functions. E+W+S
(1)In discharging any functions connected with agriculture in relation to any land the Minister shall, so far as is consistent with the proper and efficient discharge of those functions, have regard to and endeavour to achieve a reasonable balance between the following considerations—
(a)the promotion and maintenance of a stable and efficient agricultural industry;
(b)the economic and social interests of rural areas;
(c)the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside (including its flora and fauna and geological and physiographical features) and of any features of archaeological interest there; and
(d)the promotion of the enjoyment of the countryside by the public.
(2)In this section—
“agriculture” has the same meaning as in the M1Agriculture Act 1947 or, in Scotland, the M2Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948; and
“the Minister” means—
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 17(2) in definition of "the Minister" substituted (27.3.2002) by The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Dissolution) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/794), art. 5(1), Sch. 1 para. 28 (with arts. 5(3), 6)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 17 explained by Farm Land and Rural Development Act 1988 (c. 16, SIF 2:1), s. 4(2)
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