Welsh farmers will be able to apply for the Sustainable Farming
Scheme (SFS) for the first time, as the Single Application Form
(SAF) opens today, 2 March 2026.
The SAF window runs from 2 March to 15 May 2026. Through it,
farmers can notify the Welsh Government whether they're claiming
SFS or the Basic Payment Scheme.
Farmers considering joining the SFS are strongly encouraged to
start their application early. Starting early allows time to
resolve any queries before the 15 May deadline.
If field data needs updating — such as correcting land boundaries
— farmers must do this through the Manage My Land process before
submitting their SAF.
Farmers should familiarise themselves with the Universal Actions
that apply to their business. Many are already carrying out
relevant actions, including soil testing, benchmarking and
habitat management, but there is still plenty of time to complete
the Universal Actions throughout the year.
Farmers can check habitats and other land features on their SFS
map on RPW Online.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and
Rural Affairs, , said: "This is a landmark moment for Welsh
farming and I'd like to thank everyone who has helped us reach
this milestone. The Sustainable Farming Scheme rewards
farmers for the work they do to care for our land and environment
while producing food sustainably. I encourage every eligible
farmer to start their application early — the support is there,
and so is the time."
Further details of the Optional and Collaborative layers will be
published by the end of March 2026, helping farmers plan their
next steps. Applications for many Optional and Collaborative
Actions will not open until later in the year.
Full key information and dates and applications for the SFS
Universal Layer are available at:
Single Application Form |
Sub-topic | GOV.WALES
Sustainable Farming
Scheme: key messages (February 2026) | GOV.WALES
