Welsh Government has stated that it will work with any interested farm assurance schemes to ensure that requirements are aligned. This would mean farmers within those scheme will only need to complete one form from 2027. Welsh Government has said this will deliver two outcomes from a single vet visit: farm assurance and SFS compliance. Recognising that 2026 is a transition year, Welsh Government have said that compliance with farm assurance schemes that have committed to align by 2027 will be accepted as meeting the AHIC requirements in 2026.
Responding to the news, NFU Cymru President Abi Reader said: "It is welcome news that the requirements for an AHIC in universal action 12 of the SFS will be aligned with the requirements that already exist within farm assurance on animal health and welfare. We have always believed that supporting continuous improvement in animal health and welfare should be a central part of the SFS and the provision of public money to the sector. Welsh farmers are proud of their high standards, ensuring our flocks and herds are happy and healthy is fundamental to the success of our farming sector across Wales.
"This announcement from the Cabinet Secretary removes the duplication that existed between SFS and farm assurance, ensuring that the good work farmers and vets are already doing and evidencing across the country on animal health and welfare is recognised. This was a key issue that our members have been raising with us and was identified by many as a potential deterrent to joining SFS, so we are pleased that Welsh Government has listened to our concerns and streamlined this requirement.”