Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, has, today (Wednesday, 17 July 2024), confirmed a number of schemes to support farmers and landowners before the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is introduced in 2026.
In May, a new timeframe for the Sustainable Farming Scheme was introduced as part of a Welsh Government commitment to listening to farmers and rural communities.
The scheme will now begin in 2026, giving more time to engage with key partners.
Speaking ahead of the Royal Welsh Show, the Cabinet Secretary has announced that the 2025 preparatory phase will include a number of schemes which will provide advice and support to farmers in advance of the introduction of SFS.
The Schemes include:
- Habitat Wales Scheme (HWS) is offered in 2025 with all eligible individual farmers able to apply.
- Existing HWS Commons agreements can be extended for 2025.
- The Organic Support Payment will be maintained for 2025.
- An extension to Farming Connect to 2026, continuing the knowledge transfer and innovation support on farms.
- A new Integrated Natural Resources Scheme will support farmer-focussed partnerships delivering nature-based solutions across a landscape, catchment or on a pan Wales scale. It will continue the transition to a new way of supporting farmers and the vital work they do ahead of the introduction of SFS Collaborative Actions.
In addition to these five schemes, a data confirmation exercise will be launched. With feedback from farmers who decide to participate the exercise will provide a more accurate picture of the habitat and tree cover across their farm. This is in preparation for HWS 2025 and the introduction of SFS.
Farmers who wish to apply for HWS 2025 are encouraged to complete the data confirmation exercise.
For further information please select the following link: Cabinet Secretary confirms support available for farmers in 2025 | GOV.WALES