The Welsh Government has announced a new timeline for the rollout of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) in Wales. In a written statement made on Tuesday 14th May, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, confirmed that the SFS transition will now start in 2026. He also confirmed that the BPS will continue to be available in 2025, with an announcement to follow on the BPS ceiling.
Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies said the SFS, which has been frequently criticised by Welsh farmers, will “not be introduced until it is ready” and that the change of timings was part of his “commitment to meaningful engagement with the farming sector.”
He added: “Since the first day of taking up this role I have been out and about meeting and listening to our farmers, hearing their views and taking on board what they have to say.”
Existing rural investment schemes, such as the small grants schemes, will continue to support infrastructure changes, he confirmed.
The Welsh Government will also work on a new landscape scale scheme which will build on the experience of previous collaboration schemes.
The Cabinet Secretary concluded: “Together we can create a future where our farmers produce the very best of Welsh food to the highest standards, while safeguarding our precious environment.
“We are listening and will continue to listen. We must continue to work in partnership to finalise a scheme that works long-term.”
Welsh farm leaders have long warned of the impacts of aspects of the proposals contained within the SFS outline on the sector’s viability. This mounting concern has led to mass protests across Wales, as well as the creation of a symbolic display of 5,500 pairs of wellies on the steps of the Senedd, representing the 5,500 jobs forecast to be lost if the SFS goes ahead.
Read more at: Written Statement: Future of Farming in Wales (14 May 2024) | GOV.WALES
