Farming

Farming future at a crossroads as final Welsh support scheme unveiled

Published

8 months ago

July 17, 2025

Unions, politicians and sector leaders respond to ‘once-in-a-generation’ changes in land policy

THE FINAL version of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) has been published—sparking a fierce national debate over the future of food production, land management and the economic survival of rural communities across Wales.

Due to come into force on 1 January 2026, the scheme will replace the European Union’s Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), marking the end of a decade-long post-Brexit transition. It introduces a new three-tier model of support—Universal, Optional and Collaborative—with all participating farmers required to undertake twelve baseline actions such as maintaining hedgerows, improving soil health, and managing wildlife habitats.

The Welsh Government has framed the move as a bold shift towards sustainable land stewardship. But farming unions, opposition parties and rural campaigners have expressed serious concerns about the timing, funding, and long-term consequences of the proposals.

***There had been protests over the proposals (Image: Sam Kurtz)***

FUW: ‘A generational milestone—but not perfect’

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) described the publication of the final scheme as a “generational milestone,” representing the culmination of years of intense discussions between the sector and Welsh Government.

FUW President IAN RICKMAN said: “We have left no stone unturned in our ambition to secure a viable post-Brexit farm support framework. This is a watershed moment for Welsh agriculture.”

The FUW welcomed several major concessions, including:

A combined £238 million budget for Universal payments and BPS tapering;
A reduction in Universal Actions from 17 to 12;
Exemptions for tenant farmers;
Removal of the controversial 10% tree cover requirement.

However, the union remains deeply concerned about the scheme’s remaining obligations, particularly the 10% habitat requirement, which many believe will reduce the amount of productive farmland available. Mr Rickman also criticised the “disappointing” tapering schedule for existing BPS payments—set to fall to 60% in 2026 and drop by 20% each subsequent year.

“We urged a gentler five-step reduction starting at 80%. Despite this milestone, we will continue to push for practical improvements as implementation begins.”

NSA: ‘Stark choice for farmers’

The National Sheep Association (NSA) acknowledged progress but warned that many producers now face a stark decision.

NSA Chief Executive PHIL STOCKER said: “Farmers must now ask themselves—do they work with government and adopt environmental delivery, or do they walk away and farm independently without public support?”

NSA Cymru’s HELEN ROBERTS noted the omission of sheep from the Welsh Government’s press release as troubling: “There will be winners and losers. Some of the actions reflect existing good practice, but we’re worried about increased red tape and a lack of clarity on long-term outcomes. The steep cut to 60% BPS is harsher than expected and creates uncertainty.”

Paul Davies MS: ‘Another blow to farmers’

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS PAUL DAVIES described the final SFS as yet another blow to farmers already struggling under government pressure.

“This is dressed up as a new approach, but it’s another blow to Welsh farmers already reeling from devastating government policies. The cut to 60% is cruel and unjustified.”

Mr Davies criticised the absence of a published economic impact assessment, accusing both the Welsh and UK governments of abandoning the rural economy.

“From inheritance tax changes to bovine TB inaction and new hoops for farmers to jump through, it’s clear that governments on both ends of the M4 have failed to support our producers.”

Samuel Kurtz MS: ‘Still no answers on funding or impact’

***On his feet: Sam Kurtz MS in the Senedd (Image: Senedd TV)***

Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary SAMUEL KURTZ accused the Welsh Government of publishing the final SFS without full transparency or accountability.

“After seven long years, farmers still don’t know what this scheme will really cost their businesses. Labour’s relationship with rural Wales is broken,” he said.

Mr Kurtz also criticised the Cabinet Secretary for failing to release the impact assessment, which, he claims, ministers have already seen.

“I stood shoulder to shoulder with farmers on the Senedd steps last year—and I continue to stand with them against any policy that threatens food security and rural livelihoods.”

Plaid Cymru: ‘A step forward—but not far enough’

Plaid Cymru’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs spokesperson, LLYR GRUFFYDD MS, acknowledged that the final scheme had improved following sector engagement—but said serious funding questions remained unanswered.

“It’s clear that this scheme has evolved from its initial form. As the farming unions and others have rightly pointed out, the scheme is an improvement on the one originally proposed,” he said.

“While we welcome the £238 million funding for the year ahead, a one-year pledge is simply not enough. A Plaid Cymru government would guarantee that level of support in real terms as a minimum and introduce a multi-year funding cycle.”

Mr Gruffydd also raised concerns about balance across the scheme’s tiers, the structure of the transition period, and the still-undefined “social value” payment.

“We trust these issues will be addressed swiftly, because, as ever, the devil will be in the detail.”

Labour blocks call for Senedd vote

Amid mounting pressure, Welsh Labour MSs voted down a motion in the Senedd this week which would have required a binding vote on the scheme’s implementation before it came into effect.

“By voting against this, Labour has dismissed farmers’ concerns once again,” said Mr Kurtz. “Trust is at an all-time low.”

Looking ahead

The Welsh Government has pledged to publish a “ready reckoner” tool in the coming weeks to help farmers estimate the financial value of their participation in the new scheme.

The BPS tapering will begin in 2026, with recipients receiving 60% of their previous payments, and reductions of 20% annually thereafter.

An economic impact assessment—originally expected to be published alongside the final scheme—is now due in September 2025, just months before the scheme is set to begin.

Farming unions have said they will continue to work constructively with ministers, but warned that ongoing engagement will be crucial as technical guidance and implementation plans are finalised.

Business

Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales

Published

3 days ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.

In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.

The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.

It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.

Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.

Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.

The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.

It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.

“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”

The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.

“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

Farming

Wales sees progress in bovine TB fight as debate over badger role continues

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New figures show decline in herd incidents, but disagreement remains over wildlife controls

WALES is making steady progress in tackling bovine tuberculosis (bTB), according to the Welsh Government, but a long-running debate over the role of badgers in spreading the disease continues to divide opinion.

In a written statement issued this week, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES, outlined what he described as “clear progress” in Wales’s eradication programme.

Latest figures show a sustained long-term decrease in new TB herd incidents, which ministers say reflects the success of a science-led, cattle-focused strategy. The approach has prioritised enhanced testing, stricter movement controls, and improved biosecurity on farms.

The Welsh Government says more sensitive testing methods are helping to identify infection earlier, while efforts are also being made to reduce the number of cattle slaughtered unnecessarily.

However, the issue of whether wildlife—particularly badgers—plays a significant role in spreading the disease remains contentious.

Farmers and government under pressure

Bovine TB continues to have a major economic and emotional impact on Welsh farming communities, particularly in rural areas of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Farmers’ unions have long argued that wildlife reservoirs, including badgers, contribute to the persistence of the disease, and have called for stronger intervention measures.

In England, controversial badger culling programmes have been rolled out over the past decade, with UK Government figures suggesting significant reductions in TB rates in some areas.

But those claims remain disputed, with critics arguing that the evidence is far from clear-cut.

Badger Trust backs Welsh approach

Responding to the Welsh Government’s latest statement, the Badger Trust welcomed the direction of policy in Wales and urged ministers to maintain a focus on cattle-based controls.

The charity said the latest statistics demonstrated that Wales’s approach was delivering “real results” and represented a clear improvement on policy seen elsewhere.

Chief Executive NIGEL PALMER said: “The latest TB statistics show sustained long-term decreases in new TB herd incidents, demonstrating that Wales’s science-led, cattle-focused approach is delivering real results.”

The Trust also questioned the effectiveness of culling, arguing that reductions in England cannot be attributed solely to killing badgers.

It said: “The analysis behind this figure cannot separate the effects of culling from other measures such as enhanced cattle testing, stricter movement controls, and improved biosecurity.”

The organisation maintains that bovine TB is primarily a cattle disease, with most transmission occurring between cattle rather than from wildlife.

Scientific disagreement remains

The role of badgers in spreading bTB has been the subject of decades of scientific study, with no universal consensus.

Some studies have suggested that badgers can act as a reservoir for the disease, potentially infecting cattle through environmental contamination.

Others, including research cited by animal welfare groups, argue that the impact of badgers on overall transmission rates is limited compared to cattle-to-cattle spread.

The Welsh Government’s own Technical Advisory Group has previously stated that a combination of measures may be needed, including consideration of wildlife alongside cattle controls.

However, Wales has so far resisted introducing widespread badger culling, instead focusing on vaccination trials and tighter cattle measures.

Calls for clarity and consistency

The Badger Trust also raised concerns about international standards, arguing that requirements for Officially TB Free status focus primarily on bovine species rather than wildlife.

It warned that policies targeting badgers risk diverting attention and resources away from more effective cattle-based interventions.

At the same time, farming representatives continue to press for stronger action, arguing that without addressing all potential sources of infection, eradication efforts could stall.

A long road ahead

While the latest figures suggest progress, the Welsh Government has acknowledged that completely eradicating bovine TB remains a long-term challenge.

For now, Wales appears set to continue its cautious, evidence-led approach—balancing animal health, farming livelihoods, and wildlife protection.

But with pressure mounting from both sides of the debate, the question of how far to go in tackling the disease is unlikely to be settled any time soon.

Farming

£3 million secured to continue Welsh sheep genetics programme

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed £3 million in funding over the next three financial years to continue the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP), helping Welsh sheep farmers improve efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.

From April 2026, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) will lead Phase 2 of the programme, marking a significant next step in supporting farmers to make smarter, evidence-based breeding decisions.

The new phase will provide transition support for existing participants while also opening the programme to new flocks. Farmers will receive practical, technical and financial support to make use of Genomic Estimated Breeding Values, advanced genetic tools designed to help them make better-informed decisions at farm level. The data collected will also strengthen industry benchmarking and support longer-term business planning.

Phase 2 will also include the development of robust key performance indicators, tailored farm-level action plans, and an ambitious portfolio of research projects aimed at driving innovation across the sector.

The programme’s objectives are closely aligned with the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which launched on January 1, 2026, as well as HCC’s Vision 2030, reflecting a shared commitment to a productive, sustainable and competitive Welsh red meat industry.

Phase 1 of the WSGP, delivered by Farming Connect, comes to an end on March 31, 2026. Since launching in 2023, the programme has achieved significant progress, including introducing genomics into the sheep sector for the first time anywhere in the world.

It has also generated 70,000 genotypes across Tier 1 and Tier 2 flocks on the AHDB-Signet database since 2023, the highest number recorded there, while developing two major research strands focused on breeding for worm resistance and reduced methane emissions.

The programme has worked in close partnership with leading specialists, including Innovis and AHDB-Signet, and has delivered measurable genetic gains and improvements in key performance traits across participating flocks.

The investment underlines the Welsh Government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the production of high-quality, sustainable PGI Welsh Lamb.

Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “This funding demonstrates our commitment to supporting farmers to build profitable, resilient businesses while delivering on our climate ambitions. The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme shows what is possible when cutting-edge science meets the proud tradition of Welsh livestock farming. By helping farmers breed healthier, more productive flocks with a lower environmental footprint, we are strengthening food security and safeguarding our rural economy for the long term.”

José Peralta, Chief Executive of Hybu Cig Cymru, said: “The progress achieved to date reflects the commitment of farmers across Wales, the work of the Farming Connect team, and the continued financial support of the Welsh Government. Together, these provide a strong platform for the next phase.

“This next step directly supports a core priority in our new strategic plan: to develop and lead the implementation of initiatives that improve economic and environmental sustainability. We look forward to working closely with farmers to ensure they have the tools, insights and support needed to thrive in the years ahead.”