CLA Cymru has welcomed the Welsh Government's announcement of more than £1 billion in multi-year funding for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), saying it provides “much-needed stability” for farming businesses right across Wales.
Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, made the announcement at the Royal Welsh Show. The commitment delivers £340 million per year for three years to March 2030 for the SFS, including a guaranteed £238 million per year for the Universal layer and £102 million for delivering the Optional and Collaborative Layers. The move ends a year-to-year funding model.
The Minister said:
“Giving farmers only 12 months' line of sight to funding is not sufficient. We know how hard it is to plan and make business decisions without knowing what funding is coming. Farmers told us loud and clear they need certainty and stability — and that is exactly what we are delivering.”
Following early feedback from an independent review into the bureaucratic burden on family farms, led by John Davies, the Minister also announced early action to cut red tape for farmers.
The Welsh Government announced a simplification of the approach for the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) in the Universal Layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.
CLA Cymru, which represents more than 3,000 members across Wales, representing 11 million acres, said multi-year funding would allow farmers and landowners to plan and invest with greater confidence.
Victoria Bond, Director of CLA Cymru, said:
“We are pleased that the Welsh Government has listened to the sector and delivered on its pledge for multi-annual funding. Certainty is essential for farmers and rural businesses that form the backbone of Wales' countryside. This announcement at the Royal Welsh Show sends a positive signal and we particularly note the early steps to cut red tape following the John Davies review.
“Simplifying the Animal Health Improvement Cycle and aligning it with existing farm assurance schemes from 2027 is a sensible move that will reduce bureaucracy and ease the burden on farmers. However, success will depend on practical implementation, clear guidance and genuine partnership working with the sector. We will continue to push for further reductions in red tape burdens so that farmers can focus on delivering environmental, social and economic outcomes on the ground.”
CLA Cymru also welcomed the planned rollout of Optional Actions and the opening of the new Integrated Natural Resources Scheme window later this year, which will support the Collaborative Layer. The organisation said it will work closely with its members and the Government to ensure these measures are accessible, proportionate and deliver real benefits for rural Wales.
Victoria Bond added:
“The family farm is central to rural communities, economies and the management of our landscapes. While today's funding commitment is welcome, we will keep pressing for a scheme that works in practice, rewards outcomes and supports a thriving and resilient agricultural sector for generations to come.”
