Welsh farmers and the people of Wales are teaming up for a new Sustainable Farming Scheme to support sustainable food production and combat climate change.

With annual payments and support for tree planting and habitat preservation, the scheme aims to ensure a stable future for farming while protecting the environment.

The Welsh government has allocated significant funding to support farmers transitioning to the new scheme, promoting innovation and growth in the agriculture industry.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said:  

"This scheme is the product of extensive collaboration. We've listened carefully to farmers across Wales and revised our approach to ensure it works for the agricultural industry and meets our shared responsibilities to the natural world around us.  

"I would like to thank those who responded to consultations and attended meetings the length and breadth of Wales, and I’m grateful to all members of the Ministerial Roundtable and supporting Working Groups for their input.  

"We’ve listened, and we’ll continue to listen. It’s clear that the people of Wales want us to back Welsh farming, but they also want to see nature restored, soils protected, water quality in our rivers improved, access to the countryside maintained and nature supported to recover and thrive.  

"With this in mind, the scheme represents a new relationship between the people of Wales and our farmers. This is not just a scheme for farmers, this is a scheme for the whole of Wales – A whole farm, whole nation approach.  

"We recognise this involves change. This scheme is fundamentally different from the Basic Payment Scheme, but absolutely necessary for the long term success of farming, food production and the environment.”  

Starting from January 1st next year, the Sustainable Farming Scheme will launch in Wales.

Farmers can apply via the Single Application Form from March to May each year for a Universal Payment if they meet Scheme Requirements.

The scheme aims to simplify processes, offer stability, and support sustainable farming through tree and habitat management.

Farmers must create woodland and hedgerow plans and actively manage 10% of their land for biodiversity.

The Deputy First Minister, concluded: "This represents a landmark moment for Welsh agriculture, with farmers playing a central role in our food security, environmental protection, and maintaining the distinct cultural heritage and language of rural Wales.  

"Our ambition is to see a thriving and confident agriculture industry in Wales, that is built around innovation and growth, to rise to the challenges we face and make most of the opportunities available.  

"We hope the majority of farmers join the scheme to help us realise this ambition. We firmly believe it will provide much needed stability whilst helping farm businesses to be more resilient, productive and sustainable.”