Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs
I wish to update Members of the Senedd on the publication of scheme guidance for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) - Universal Layer commencing in 2026.
In July, I shared details of the Sustainable Farming Scheme. A truly landmark moment for Welsh agriculture. A scheme designed to support farmers in Wales to produce world class, high-quality food whilst caring for the environment, tackling and adapting to climate change and building resilience for those who will work and care for this precious land in the years to come.
Today, we have published the full scheme guidance for the Universal Layer of the scheme. This includes fact sheets reflecting the legal requirements that underpin the scheme and a guidance booklet which provides important information relating to eligibility, the requirements of the Universal Code and the details of the Universal Actions that may be applicable to each farm in Wales. The booklet also contains important information regarding operational implementation, delivery, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
The SFS - Universal Layer operates on an annual basis and will start on 1 January 2026. An SFS map, detailing the information farmers need to know about their individual farms, will be available on their Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online accounts from 31 December 2025.
I urge every farmer thinking about entering the scheme to take a look and familiarise themselves with the published guidance before the Single Application Form (SAF) becomes available on 2 March 2026. At this point they will have to make a choice between joining the SFS or remaining in the legacy Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), where payments will start to be tapered next year as part of our transition plan.
I appreciate that a new scheme may feel like a big change for some of our farmers. The start of the scheme year should therefore be a time for them to carefully consider their options without pressure, whilst ensuring the integrity of the scheme.
To make things as straightforward as possible, from 1 January until the SAF deadline on 15 May, all farmers will be treated as meeting the Universal Layer requirements. This gives everyone a clear starting point and ensures fairness during transition. Our aim will always be to encourage farmers into the SFS and provide help and support every step of the way.
This approach reflects my personal commitment to working in partnership and delivering a scheme based on trust and responsibility. This reduces unnecessary burden on our farmers and supports a fair and practical way of working and moving forward together.
I intend to provide further information on the first phase of our Optional and Collaborative offer for 2026 in the spring, and we’ll continue evolve and strengthen this scheme throughout the transition period. In the meantime, we will continue to provide help and support to farmers through our trusted Farming Connect programme and wide range of ongoing SFS preparatory schemes.