Sustainable Farming Scheme opens with farmers urged to apply early

Farmers considering joining the SFS are strongly encouraged to start their application early as it allows time to resolve any queries before the 15 May deadline.

If field data needs updating, such as correcting land boundaries, farmers must do this through the Manage My Land process before submitting their SAF.

Farmers are also being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Universal Actions that apply to their business. 

Many are already carrying out relevant actions, including soil testing, benchmarking and habitat management, but there is still plenty of time to complete the Universal Actions throughout the year.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “This is a landmark moment for Welsh farming and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us reach this milestone. 

“The Sustainable Farming Scheme rewards farmers for the work they do to care for our land and environment while producing food sustainably. 

“I encourage every eligible farmer to start their application early — the support is there, and so is the time.”

Further details of the Optional and Collaborative layers will be published by the end of March 2026, helping farmers plan their next steps.

Applications for many Optional and Collaborative Actions will not open until later in the year.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It is unacceptable that, as the Sustainable Farming Scheme application window opens, two of its key layers, Optional and Collaborative, are still not fully designed. 

“After years of consultation, farmers are being asked to commit to a scheme where significant elements remain undefined or delayed until later in the year.

“Farm businesses cannot plan on the basis of “further detail in due course”. Decisions about land use, investment and cashflow require clarity from day one. 

“This last-minute uncertainty reflects a clear lack of foresight from the Welsh Labour Government.

“Farmers were promised stability and certainty. Instead, they are being given ambiguity and a rolling timetable. That is not good enough for an industry that needs confidence, not confusion.”