Farmers must follow these rules if they apply for payments under the Basic Payment Scheme 2026.
Most Cross Compliance rules continue to apply as in 2025. We have updated the following factsheets and associated sections of the verifiable standards. This reflects changes in requirements, good practice and to clarify wording for 2026:
SMR 1: water protection
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to remove reference to the Enhanced Nutrient Management approach as there are no actions for 2026. Factsheet re-ordered for clarity and closed period dates included for reference. There have also been changes to the breach definitions for breaches A5, A9, B1, B3, B4, B5 and B7.
You can find further information on all requirements: The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021: guidance for farmers and land managers.
SMR 4: food and feed law
Factsheet updated to clarify requirements on the:
- recall of food or feed from market
- identification of animals undergoing medical treatment before milking
- exemptions to raw drinking milk
- field checks
SMR 10: restrictions on using Plant Protection Products (PPPs)
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to clarify:
- who can use PPPs
- use of PPPs in accordance with specified requirements
- good practice
SMR 11: welfare standards for calves
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to enhance good practice guidelines
SMR 12: welfare standards for pigs
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to clarify requirements on:
- access to manipulable material, and
- fresh drinking water
- minimum requirements for confined sows and gilts
SMR 13: welfare standards for farmed animals
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to clarify requirements concerning:
- mutilations and permitted procedures