Farmers across Wales will have access to a wider range of support
to improve the resilience and sustainability of their farm
businesses, which is outlined in today's publication of the
Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS): Optional and Collaborative
Layers overview.
The overview sets out the support Welsh Government intends to
make available throughout 2026 and into 2027.
The Optional and Collaborative Layers build on the Universal
Layer of the SFS, which has been live since January 2026.
The overview sets out what's coming next and where farmers could
receive additional payments, such as capital support
for equipment to improve efficiency, as well as for hedgerows or
woodland creation. It also includes support for
organic farming or for managing areas of habitat, on top of the
Universal Payments.
Some support is reserved only for those farmers who have entered
the Universal Layer of the scheme, to build on the foundations
set down by the Universal Actions. Some
support remains more widely available, however farmers
within the Universal Layer will be prioritised. Other
opportunities include, for example, Ffermio Bro funding in our
designated landscapes, and the new Sustainable Agriculture Loan
Scheme.
Payment rates and technical guidance will be published ahead of
each application opening.
The Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change
and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "The
Universal Layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme has been live
since January, and provides the essential foundation —
giving farmers an annual payment in return for a range of actions
that benefit their farm, environment, and the food they produce.
“This is now the next step in supporting farmers in improving the
resilience of their farm business and local environment. For
those who want to go further, the Optional and Collaborative
Layers are designed to help build on that foundation — improving
the resilience of farm businesses and the local environment. This
offer will grow over the coming years, and I encourage all Welsh
farmers to look at what support could work for them.
“This offer builds upon the new relationship that the SFS
represents between farmers and the people of Wales. It is a
demonstration of our commitment to our farming community and
quality Welsh produce on behalf of the nation,
and deliver additional benefits for our
countryside for the benefit of everyone.”
The SFS Optional and Collaborative Layers overview will be
available from 9am Monday 23 March at https://www.gov.wales/sustainable-farming-scheme-optional-and-collaborative-layers-overview-support-available-2026
