, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary
for Climate Change & Rural Affairs: I wish to update Members
of the Senedd on the publication of scheme guidance for the
Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) - Universal Layer commencing in
2026.
In July, I shared details of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
A truly landmark moment for Welsh agriculture. A scheme designed
to support farmers in Wales to produce world class, high-quality
food whilst caring for the environment, tackling and adapting to
climate change and building resilience for those who will work
and care for this precious land in the years to come.
Today, we have published the full scheme guidance for the
Universal Layer of the scheme. This includes fact sheets
reflecting the legal requirements that underpin the scheme and a
guidance booklet which provides important information relating to
eligibility, the requirements of the Universal Code and the
details of the Universal Actions that may be applicable to each
farm in Wales. The booklet also contains important information
regarding operational implementation, delivery, monitoring,
evaluation and reporting.
The SFS - Universal Layer operates on an annual basis and will
start on 1 January 2026. An SFS map, detailing the information
farmers need to know about their individual farms, will be
available on their Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online accounts
from 31 December 2025.
I urge every farmer thinking about entering the scheme to take a
look and familiarise themselves with the published guidance
before the Single Application Form (SAF) becomes available on 2
March 2026. At this point they will have to make a choice between
joining the SFS or remaining in the legacy Basic Payment Scheme
(BPS), where payments will start to be tapered next year as part
of our transition plan.
I appreciate that a new scheme may feel like a big change for
some of our farmers. The start of the scheme year should
therefore be a time for them to carefully consider their options
without pressure, whilst ensuring the integrity of the scheme.
To make things as straightforward as possible, from 1 January
until the SAF deadline on 15 May, all farmers will be treated as
meeting the Universal Layer requirements. This gives everyone a
clear starting point and ensures fairness during transition. Our
aim will always be to encourage farmers into the SFS and provide
help and support every step of the way.
This approach reflects my personal commitment to working in
partnership and delivering a scheme based on trust and
responsibility. This reduces unnecessary burden on our farmers
and supports a fair and practical way of working and moving
forward together.
I intend to provide further information on the first phase of our
Optional and Collaborative offer for 2026 in the spring, and
we'll continue evolve and strengthen this scheme throughout the
transition period. In the meantime, we will continue to provide
help and support to farmers through our trusted Farming Connect
programme and wide range of ongoing SFS preparatory schemes.
