Update from Senior Policy Adviser Fraser Mcauley

The Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) continues to take up a large part of my time. Many of our members (and some non-members) across Wales recently attended a series of advice roadshows designed to help them prepare for the Welsh Government’s SFS. These sessions offered practical guidance as farm businesses navigate one of the most significant policy shifts in a generation. Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of personalised advice, particularly as many businesses weigh up the implications of entering SFS or remaining temporarily within the reduced Basic Payment Scheme.

Although the roadshows have now concluded, I am available to discuss the scheme in more detail with any members who were unable to attend or who would benefit from further clarification. We will also run an online webinar as further details of the optional and collaborative layers emerge. This ongoing support aims to ensure that every business can make informed decisions ahead of the transition.

Alongside SFS preparation, several Welsh Government rural grants continue to be available as part of the transition period, these can be found here.

These include capital grants for on‑farm improvements, environmental management, and preparatory actions linked to future SFS eligibility. As Wales moves towards the new support framework, continued access to expert advice and targeted grants will remain essential in helping our members plan confidently for the future.

Please contact me for further advice on the SFS and related land use policy issues please do not hesitate to contact me here.