These are the steps you can take now to prepare for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
- the ready reckoner gives you an indicative SFS Universal payment value for 2026. This is available at Sustainable Farming Scheme: ready reckoner guide
- log in to Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online and check your details are up to date
you might need to register with the new GOV.UK One Login. Please also check that anyone who might need access to your RPW account has their own email address
more details are available at RPW Online: migrating from Government Gateway to GOV.UK One Login
- ensure your business and land details are up to date. If you have acquired additional land this could have an impact on your habitat and woodland cover. Please complete the RPW Manage My Land form. More details on RPW Online: using ‘manage my land’
- register with Farming Connect to access information, help and guidance
You can get a head start on some of the individual Universal Actions. For example:
- UA1 Soil health: Soil testing undertaken up to four years before you enter the Scheme will count towards this UA
- UA4 Continuous Professional Development: SFS e-learning modules available from Farming Connect and completed in 2025 will count towards this UA for 2026
- UA10 Tree and Hedgerow Planting Opportunity Plan: Consider where additional tree and hedgerow planting would be beneficial to your farm. Consider planting now through existing woodland and hedgerow creation schemes
- start to familiarise yourself with the templates available to make certain UAs easier. Such as UA2 Integrated Pest Management and UA12 Animal Health and welfare