The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the updated Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
Following months of further co-design Welsh Government has announced an updated version of its “long-awaited” SFS.
NSA Cymru development officer Helen Roberts said: “It is encouraging that the Welsh Government has considered the intense level of feeling from industry when considering the amendments to the scheme. This scheme must be accessible and workable at farm level and these amendments have shown progress towards this.
“The highlights include the emphasis on collaboration between the farming community and the Government, creating an incentive structure that acknowledges the multifaceted role of farmers, not just as food producers but as custodians of the countryside. This is a crucial shift in recognising and valuing ecosystem services provided by agriculture.”
Hedgerow and tree development plans scrapped
Amendments to the scheme include the scrapping of plans requiring farmers to set aside 10% of land to tree cover in favour of a hedgerow and tree development plan. The checklist of actions farmers would have to sign up to in order to access the SFS universal layer has also been cut from 17 to 12.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “Successful implementation will depend on clear guidance, fair payment structures, and support for farmers transitioning to new practices. Ensuring that smaller farms and traditional practices are not disproportionately disadvantaged will also be vital.
“The SFS has the potential to set a benchmark for sustainable farming policy in the devolved nations, provided it remains practical, inclusive, and adaptive to the needs of the agricultural sector.
“The long-term impact on food security, rural livelihoods, and the environment will be closely scrutinised, NSA would especially like to see extensive and adaptive piloting of the scheme in the coming months to ensure the final version is fit for purpose.”
