NSA looks to the future of Agriculture in Wales

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has responded in full to the Senedd consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “It is encouraging to see food production is identified as a key objective for Welsh Government alongside important environmental imperatives. NSA has advocated the need to become more food secure as a nation, both at a Wales and UK level, but also to optimise opportunities for trade in products that suit particular environmental and climatic conditions."

The SFS sets out Welsh Government proposals for a post CAP farming scheme. Outlining various priorities for agriculture such as high animal health and welfare, maximising carbon storage, clean water and air, protecting natural landscapes and historical sites, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing access and engagement with the public.

NSA Cymru / Wales Region Development Officer Helen Roberts comments: “There is an alarming amount of work to be facilitated to develop a scheme fit for new entrants, tenants, commoners, graziers, share farmers, contract farmers, and cross border farming enterprises. NSA encourages Welsh Government to act as soon as possible to develop scheme options appropriate to support those in alternate farming agreements, the discounting of these groups is extremely worrying.”

NSA Cymru /Wales Region Chair Kate Hovers adds: “NSA is looking forward to working constructively with Welsh Government to develop a scheme that delivers for Welsh agriculture, including for the environment. NSA appreciates there must be a universal outline for future schemes to ensure any approach is fair, and maintains continuity, but recognises the importance of farm diversity evident in Wales. NSA would advocate strongly for the diverse nature of farming businesses across Wales and would be concerned that the current proposals are prescriptive, inflexible, and exclusive to different sectors and operating systems.”