Applications open for Sustainable Farming Scheme

Farmers in Wales are now apply for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) as the Single Application Form (SAF) has opened.

The SAF window runs from March 2 to May 15 2026. Through it, farmers can notify the Welsh Government whether they're claiming SFS or the Basic Payment Scheme. Farmers considering joining the SFS are strongly encouraged to start their application early. Starting early allows time to resolve any queries before the deadline.

Welsh Government announced further details of the optional and collaborative layers on March 23 2026. Click here for full information on these options.

These optional and collaborative layers build on the universal layer in addition to continuing some existing schemes. We advise members to review the details whilst keeping in mind the majority won’t result in payments being made until 2027.

The following categories are only available if you have entered the Universal Layer of the SFS: 

• sustainable production
• designated sites 
• habitat review (habitat management and creation of permanent habitats)
• infrastructure and equipment - biosecurity items

Optional Actions in the following categories will be available to all farm businesses even if they have not entered the Universal Layer of the SFS. Applications will be scored and assessed to ensure funds are used fairly and effectively, however, farmers participating in the Universal Layer will be prioritised. As such, we will attribute additional points to farm businesses participating in the Universal Layer during this scoring process. 

• capital: production and efficiency 
• capital: environment (including some habitat creation) 
• organic
• woodland management  
• woodland creation 
• temporary habitat
• small infrastructure 
• infrastructure and equipment - nutrient management items

Our Senior Policy Adviser Fraser McAuley remains part of the Welsh Government officials group continuing to develop the optional and collaborative layers of the scheme, so please get in contact with him if you wish to discuss further.