Key information and dates you need to know for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) Universal Layer.
Scheme requirements
This is a new, regular summary to share information and highlight important dates you need to be aware of for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) Universal Layer which started on 1 January.
You can enter the SFS Universal Layer via your Single Application Form (SAF) if you meet the:
- eligibility criteria
- scheme requirements
- Universal Actions applicable for your holding
You do not need to notify us or apply before the SAF if you want to join the SFS.
Some farmers may be wondering if they can meet the requirements of the scheme. To help answer that question, read our introduction to the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
There is more detailed scheme guidance at: Sustainable Farming Scheme (2026): universal layer: rules booklet.
Some actions are specific to certain times of the year, while others can be undertaken at any time. We do not expect you to do everything at once.
We encourage you to spread the actions out. If you leave them all until the end of the year, this may cause a delay to your payments. These actions will provide the most value to you when integrated as part of your ongoing farm management.
Some farmers may be unsure if they meet the requirement for at least 10% of the farm to be maintained as habitat.
If you don’t currently have enough habitat, or if you are uncertain how much you do have, you can still enter the scheme. If needed, you will need to commit to creating additional habitat such as mixed herbal leys. Read our quick guide to temporary habitat.
Don’t worry if your Universal Actions are not all in place yet. You still have enough time to complete them.
Advice and support
If you have questions on how the scheme applies to your farming business, or think you may not be able to follow some of the requirements, please:
- complete the SFS Derogation and Enquiry Form available on RPW Online, or
- contact Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online, or
- contact your local Farm Liaison Officer
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau yn Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Farming Connect can offer support in each of the 12 Universal Actions through a wide package of free or subsidised services. These include:
- confidential one‑to‑one advice
- business support
- accredited training
- e-learning
- workshops, and
- mentoring
You can contact Farming Connect on 03456 000 813, or via the Farming Connect: contact form (on businesswales.gov.wales). You can also speak to your local Farming Connect Development Officer (on businesswales.gov.wales).
Single Application Form (SAF)
The SAF window opens 2 March and closes 15 May.
We encourage you to review and complete your SAF as early as possible. This is because the SFS is new, and you will need additional information to complete your SAF. The SAF will include a habitat baseline review where you can confirm details of your habitat and woodland. If you don’t have 10% habitat already, you can tell us which temporary new habitats you have or will be creating.
SFS Map
One important task to undertake now in advance of the SAF opening on 2 March is to review your SFS map (on RPW online) to:
- check field boundaries. Correct mapping errors using ‘Manage My Land’ before completing your SAF
- review habitat and woodland data ahead of your habitat baseline review
- identify if you have designated sites or historic features
- if you grow maize, check slope and flood risk layers to ensure you comply with requirements around maize establishment
If you review your SFS map now, this should help reduce delays during SAF completion. This will also help you plan for each Universal Action, and any temporary habitat that you may need to create.