Abi Reader: Sustainable Farming Scheme will be ‘the talking point’ of the Royal Welsh Show

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

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The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show is nearly upon us, and with just a few days to go, Abi Reader, the Deputy President of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Cymru, has told Businessin Wales the key talking point at the event will be the Welsh Government’s new proposals for a Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Set to take effect from 1 January 2026, ministers describe the new scheme as a “landmark moment” for Welsh agriculture. The scheme is designed to support food production while enhancing environmental sustainability and building resilience in the face of climate change.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, hailed the scheme as a “new agreement between the people of Wales and our farmers.”
He confirmed a £238 million budget for the scheme’s launch year, with a phased transition from the current Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

Following backlash during the consultation phase, the government has dropped its controversial 10% mandatory tree cover requirement, replacing it with voluntary tree and hedgerow planting plans backed by flexible incentives. The BPS will be reduced to 60% of current payment levels in 2026 — a sharper transition than previously expected.

NFU held a press conference on Tuesday (July 16) where the new scheme was cautiously welcomed, but with an urge to make changes around the BPS ahead of the autumn.

Reader said: “This will, without a doubt, be the talking point. This is going to redefine farming for the next generation. There are a lot of hopes pinned on it. There has been a lot of creases that we have ironed out, but there are still more to go.

“This is about making sure we keep an evolving conversation. I hope that Welsh Government make as good use of the time at the show next week as we do in talking to farmers and getting feedback and being alive to the fact that there’s still time to make modifications.”

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show is the biggest of its kind in Europe, and farmers from around the world flock to see Wales’ world-class products on show. But for farmers like Abi, it can also be a time to unwind, catch up and reminisce.

Reader said: “[I have] So many long memories of the Royal Welsh Show, going up with my family, going up with young farmers, lots of competitions, lots of meeting up with friends that you haven’t seen perhaps for 12 months.
“And it’s the annual gathering where everybody can exchange stories. It’s just so, important for people to remember what a big community we are and how supportive we can be. It’s our showcase for our fabulous consumers who will come and see everything that we’re proud of. That is the pinnacle of our Welsh agriculture. Events and an opportunity to show off everything that we do to feed the nation and look after the landscape.

“If anyone is visiting the show, go to the food hall, see those incredible food products, go and have a look at our amazing livestock or the skills in the forestry area. There are some incredible things out there that people are there to showcase and you can have a lot of fun. So please do go and enjoy it.”

Farming can often be an isolating job, with long hours in the fields with only your animals as company, which is why the social element of the RWAS is just as, if not more, important than the economic one.

“It’s crucial that farmers have the opportunity to talk. There’ll be many that may not see another person for sometimes six or seven days, perhaps even longer, depending on what job you’re doing.

“To be able to get out, to speak to other farmers, understand that you’re probably sharing the same sort of problems. You might be able to find some solutions. There are a lot of businesses there who can offer you support. And really put some energy back into what you do.”