National Sheep Association welcomes Welsh Government SFS progress

Following months of further co-design Welsh Government has announced an updated version of its long-awaited Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

NSA Cymru Development Officer Helen Roberts says: “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.”

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 says: “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.”
  

Notes for editors

For more information and high resolution images please contact Katie James, NSA Communications Manager, via katie@nationalsheep.org.uk, or 07748 151235.

The National Sheep Association is an organisation that represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. It is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry. More at www.nationalsheep.org.uk and www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.