Welsh Government’s proposals for a Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)

The Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee (‘the Committee’) is undertaking a short inquiry on the Welsh Government’s proposals for a Sustainable Framing Scheme (SFS) insofar as they relate to the Committee’s remit.

Background

Since EU-exit the Welsh Government has maintained the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy system of support in Wales. However, the Welsh Government plans to introduce a new system of support – the SFS – starting in 2025.

The SFS proposals are currently the subject of public consultation (due to close on 7 March). The consultation sets out:

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>>>how farmers will be rewarded for responding to the climate and nature emergencies, as well as producing food in a sustainable way,

>>>how the scheme meets the objectives of Sustainable Land Management, and

>>>support available.

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Our approach

The Committee held a stakeholder event (invite only) on 13 March 2024 where participants had an opportunity to discuss the SFS proposals in the round.

The Committee also held oral evidence sessions with representatives from the agriculture sector, the environmental sector, and academics on 21 March 2024. The sessions focused on whether and how the proposals will work for farmers and the environment.

Evidence from stakeholders:

National Farmers Union (NFU) Cymru

National Farmers Union (NFU) Cymru - Summary

Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW)

Tenant Farmers Association

Nature Friendly Farming Network (Key points briefing)

Nature Friendly Farming Network (Consultation response)

Soil Association (Summary)

Soil Association (Consultation response)

Wales Environment Link

Dr Ludivine Petetin

Professor Iain Donnison