The Welsh Government has published the full scheme guidance for the Universal Layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
The guidance includes fact sheets explaining the legal requirements behind the scheme, along with a guidance booklet that covers key information on eligibility, the Universal Code, and the Universal Actions that may apply to farms across Wales. It also explains how the scheme will work in practice, including details on implementation, delivery, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
Key dates and information
The SFS Universal Layer will operate on an annual basis, starting on 1st January 2026.
An SFS map, showing information specific to each individual farm, will be available via Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online from 31st December 2025.
Farmers considering entering the scheme are encouraged to review and familiarise themselves with the published guidance ahead of the Single Application Form (SAF) opening on 2nd March 2026. At that point, farmers will need to decide whether to join the SFS or remain in the legacy Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), where payments will begin to be tapered from next year as part of the transition.
To support a fair and straightforward transition, all farmers will be treated as meeting the Universal Layer requirements from 1st January 2026 until the SAF deadline on 15th May 2026. This provides a clear starting point for everyone during the transition period.
Further details on the first phase of the Optional and Collaborative offer for 2026 will be published in the spring.
What support can CXCS provide?
Our Stewardship & Grants team can support you by:
- Comparing BPS vs SFS to identify the best financial option for your farm
- Identifying funding opportunities across Universal, Optional and Collaborative actions, and guiding you through scheme requirements
- Completing and submitting applications via RPW Online
- Advising on eligibility and evidence requirements
Book your consultation
To book your initial consultation, please contact our Stewardship & Grants team on 01981 590514.
Follow the link to access the full scheme guidance for the Universal Layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.