Welsh Government delays Sustainable Farming Scheme until 2026

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has delayed the start of the Sustainable Farming Scheme to 2026, confirming that the Basic Payment Scheme will be available to Welsh farmers in 2025. 

Welsh agriculture 

Mr Irranca-Davies had previously said the start date of January 2025 for SFS was 'realistic' and there would be 'no plans to pause', but said the 'change in timings' was a 'commitment to meaningful engagement with the farming sector'.

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A delay to the #SFS to get the detail right is a positive step for Welsh Farmers, the Ag Supply Chain & our rural economy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
There's still much work to be done so lets crack on 🙌 https://t.co/TzRCmIYptl pic.twitter.com/D9GkunQ4vz

— Abi Reader (@AbiReader) May 14, 2024

He said: "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.

Welsh Government 

"My commitment to meaningful engagement with the farming sector, Plaid Cymru colleagues under the Cooperation Agreement and other stakeholders on the changes needed will necessitate a change in the implementation timetable.

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"We have always said the Scheme would not be introduced until it is ready and I stand by that."

The Cabinet Secretary confirmed that the BPS would continue to be available in 2025, with the proposed SFS transition period starting from 2026, and with an 'announcement to follow on the BPS ceiling.'

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The Welsh Government said the existing rural investment schemes including the small grant schemes will continue to support infrastructure changes, adding it was also working on 'a new landscape scale scheme', which will build on the experience of previous collaboration schemes.  

Sustainable Farming Scheme

Speaking at a press conference at Sealands Farm in Bridgend, Mr Irranca-Davies concluded by saying: "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.

"This is the next step in making that happen."