The Welsh Government is encouraging farmers to register to have their say in the next phase of designing the new Sustainable Farming Scheme.
The first stage of co-design saw around 2,000 people take part.
This next phase will take place in the summer of 2022 and people can register now to be part of the process. This will give them the opportunity to share their opinions on the practicality of proposed actions underpinning the Sustainable Farming Scheme and the wider scheme structure and processes.
The Sustainable Farming Scheme will support farmers to lower their farms’ carbon footprint, help improve the environment and support the production of food in a sustainable way.
The Welsh Government is working with Plaid Cymru, as part of the Co-operation Agreement, to introduce a transition period as the system of farm payments is reformed. Stability payments will continue to be a feature of the Sustainable Farming scheme during and beyond this Senedd term.
Working together, we will develop the longer-term arrangements for Welsh agriculture – in partnership with the sector – recognising the particular needs of family farms and acknowledging ecologically sustainable local food production.
There will be a variety of ways for people to share their views, including through surveys and workshops. More details of these will be provided in due course.
The next phase of co-design forms part of an ongoing process of engagement with farmers and industry representatives, which will lead to a final consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme and transition in spring 2023.
The scheme is set to be launched in 2025.
Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said: “In September, I set out the next steps to introducing a new system of farm support which pays our farmers for the environmental benefit they deliver.
“This support will be key in ensuring the long term sustainability and resilience of the farming sector and will further enhance the value of food produced within Wales based on its local and sustainable credentials.
“I have always been clear about the need to work closely with our farmers to make sure their voices are heard as future support is designed.
“I want to thank the 2,000 people who were part of the first stage of designing the new scheme and now encourage them and more to register their interest in being part of the second phase.
“The scheme continues to be developed and we will share more details when we publish the outline next year.”
To register to be involved in the second phase of co-designing the new Sustainable Farming Scheme, farmers can register their interest on the Welsh Government’s website or speak to their local Farm Liaison Service representative.
