The Deputy First Minister of Wales who also holds responsibility for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has announced that the application windows for further Sustainable Farming Scheme preparatory phase schemes have now opened.
The Minister announced the first phase of the funding programme back in the summer at the Royal Welsh Show stating that further schemes would open depending on budget. The aim of the programme of grants is to help farmers prepare for the Sustainable Farming Scheme that will come into force in 2026 by providing funding that allows them to invest in forms of sustainable farming that help to protect and improve the environment.
There are five individual schemes as part of the programme that fund initiatives in the following areas:
- Support the growing of agricultural crops which provide positive environmental benefits.
- Encourage small-scale investment in on-farm environmental improvements.
- Assist Welsh farmers to improve the technical, financial and environmental performance of their farm businesses.
- ’Seed fund’ the establishment of new horticultural enterprises.
- Support the development or establishment of agricultural diversification or horticultural enterprises on Welsh farms.
In a statement the Deputy First Minister said:
‘This funding is intended to give reassurance to farmers and growers that support will continue to be available in the lead up to 2026.
We intend to help, guide and support eligible Welsh farmers and growers as we finalise and move towards the SFS.
We will continue to listen to the sector and work in partnership. Together, we can create a future where our farmers and growers produce the very best Welsh food to the highest standards, while safeguarding our precious environment to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
I’d encourage all farmers and growers to see how the funding available through the preparatory schemes can help provide stability and resilience to their businesses as we move towards the introduction of the SFS in 2026.
We have been working with the Ministerial Roundtable at pace to develop a revised outline of the Sustainable Farming Scheme before it is subject to further analysis and modelling. Further announcements on progress will be made soon.’
You can find more information about all the schemes and rural payments available by following this link. A list of all the closing dates for each individual scheme is available here.
