Sustainable Farming Scheme

With one month left in the final consultation period for the Sustainable Farming Scheme, chief reporter Rachael Brown spoke to farmers in Wales about their concerns on the direction of Welsh Government policy

Farmers said rural budget cuts, increased taxes and production costs, the emotional and financial impact TB had placed on business, alongside proposals to take agricultural land out of production for tree planting had taken its ‘toll' on the emotional and financial well-being of farmers

NFU Cymru said the projections from Welsh Government's latest SFS impact assessment predicted a 'shocking scenario' for Welsh farming

CLA Cymru said it worked out at a '12.9 per cent reduction in the rural affairs budget', hollowing out around £50 million in support for farming. But the Welsh Government said Basic Payment Scheme payments would be maintained at £238m for 2024

Lesley Griffiths issues final plea for farmers to get on board with Welsh support scheme

Welsh Government says adjustment to controversial 10 per cent tree planting will enable more farmers to sign-up

Applications for the SFI scheme are expected to open for applications in the coming weeks

Welsh farm groups have welcomed the news that direct payments to farmers in 2023 will remain the same as they have over the past three years.