CLA Cymru responds to Welsh Government announcements on farm regulation and support
Senior Policy Adviser Fraser McAuley analyses changes to the Sustainable Farming Scheme and Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Sustainable Farming Scheme
The Welsh Government has recently announced that farms already signed up to certain supply chain assurance schemes will automatically meet Universal Action 12: Animal Health and Welfare of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). This is a positive step by the Minister to reduce duplication of paperwork for farm businesses. Further announcements are expected that will outline other assurance schemes that will allow farmers to automatically meet this universal action.
https://www.gov.wales/new-arrangements-reduce-duplication-sustainable-farming-scheme-farmers
The Welsh Government also announced a commitment to pay farm businesses 80% of their SFS/Basic Payment System (BPS) payment in 2026, compared to 70% previously, in light of the challenging year faced by many in the countryside. We will be working to ensure the remaining 20% is approved as soon as possible.
https://www.gov.wales/welsh-government-backs-farmers-certainty-flexibility-and-support
Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Welsh Government have amended the closed period for spreading slurry and manure, during which farmers are restricted from applying it to land, for all soil and land types. Spreading is now permitted up to 15th November 2026 as opposed to the initial 15th October deadline. This is in light of the difficult spreading conditions faced throughout the year when spreading has not been possible. CLA Cymru are continuing to work with Welsh Government to make changes to the rest of the regulations to ensure they are practical, useful and have real benefit to the business and environment.
https://www.gov.wales/welsh-government-backs-farmers-certainty-flexibility-and-support
