Written Statement: Integration of UA12 Requirements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme into Participating Farm Assurance Schemes

I am pleased to announce that Welsh Government has reached agreements with Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (FAWL), Red Tractor and Pasture for Life that will support the integration of elements of Universal Action 12 (UA12) with farm assurance scheme requirements from 2027, as part of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). Transitional arrangements for 2026 will allow SFS participants to use their WLBP, Red Tractor or Pasture for Life Farm Assurance Scheme membership to demonstrate that they have met the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) 'Measure' and 'Plan' requirements of UA12 for the 2026 scheme year. 

Welsh Government's intention in integrating elements of UA12 with farm assurance schemes is to reduce duplication and administrative burden for farmers and veterinary professionals while maintaining the animal health and welfare outcomes that UA12 is designed to deliver. 

The arrangements have been taken forward following an early recommendation from the Review of the Bureaucratic Burden on Family Farms, which identified opportunities to reduce paperwork and unnecessary duplication. The agreements also provide the basis for longer-term integration arrangements of the AHIC and Biosecurity Assessment of Incoming Stock (BAIS) from 2027 onwards, which continue to be developed with the three participating farm assurance schemes.

For the 2026 scheme year, eligible members of Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (FAWL), Red Tractor and Pasture for Life will be able to declare their membership through the SFS Universal Dashboard as evidence that the AHIC ‘Measure’ and ‘Plan’ requirements of UA12 have been met. It is important to note that these farmers must still complete all other applicable Universal Action 12 (UA12) requirements, including the relevant animal welfare requirements and the Biosecurity Assessment for Incoming Stock (BAIS). 

Farmers who are not members of a participating farm assurance scheme are unaffected by these arrangements and should continue to follow the published UA12 guidance and complete all applicable requirements by the end of December. 

Welsh Government remains open to engaging with other recognised farm assurance schemes interested in supporting UA12 outcomes through their existing assurance processes and welcomes discussions with schemes that may wish to participate in future.