Next steps for Sustainable Farming Scheme outlined by Welsh Government
First Minister Mark Drakeford and Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths have set out some potential next steps regarding the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), stating that the incoming First Minister should “consider in detail the pace of implementation of SFS”.
In a written statement issued by the Welsh Government, the Ministers said the SFS would help them “to meet the commitments we have made to everyone in Wales”, which they said would secure a “stronger and greener future for us all” while “ensuring public benefits from sustainable farming in return for public money”.
The statement reminded industry that the current SFS consultation will close on 7th March, with the Ministers saying: “We welcome the responses to the consultation. Every consultation response received, including the issues raised and discussed at the 10 roadshow events during the consultation period, will be analysed and properly considered. We will publish that analysis and a summary of the responses.”
The Ministers set out some potential next steps, which included:
- Ensuring that where farmers are asked to gather information as part of SFS, this process will be as efficient as possible, GDPR compliant and maximises the value of that data to farmers.
- Ensuring actions within SFS are appropriately targeted at improving the economic resilience of farms. This includes ensuring woodland and habitat requirements do not make farms unviable.
- Ensuring farm payments are distributed fairly and are accessible to all.
- Considering an evidence-based review of any further and alternative proposals to achieve carbon sequestration within the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
- Establish regular review points between the Welsh Government and the farming unions and representatives, in formulating final proposals.
- Carry out an updated economic analysis.
Drakeford and Griffiths said that the incoming First Minister, who is due to being their term on 20th March, would “want to carefully review the results of the consultation” and “consider in detail” the pace of SFS implementation.
Industry pushes back
This comes as Welsh farmers have protested the measures, with farming unions expressing concerns and urging Welsh Government to rethink the SFS. In its own impact assessment, the Welsh Government said that the proposed Scheme may result in a potential loss of 5,500 jobs on Welsh farms.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has repeatedly called for Welsh Government to rethink the proposals. In his latest statement, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “The apparent lack of interest in the farming industry from Welsh Ministers is damaging, not only at farm level, but in the wider economic prosperity and society of Wales.
“The level of tension can be leaving Ministers in no doubt there needs to be a reset in the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) proposals.
“The suggested plans for SFS are not all wrong by any means and most farmers agree that we have to make progress on climate and nature emergencies. But the proposals leave little flexibility, are quite draconian in nature, and are still woefully short on detail meaning that farmers are not clear what is expected of them, or what money will be made available.”
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