On the first day of the Anglesey Show the union says the island’s low uptake reflects the challenges many farming businesses face in meeting some the scheme’s current requirements, particularly around temporary habitat options.
A scheme that does not reflect the realities
Welsh Government figures* suggest that of the 808 farmers on the island who applied either for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) or the Universal layer of the SFS only 264 (33%) have joined the Sustainable Farming Scheme, with many businesses on the island deciding they could not participate under the current rules.
“Many farmers feel they have very limited options when trying to meet the habitat requirements, particularly where they don’t already have 10% permanent habitat on their farm.”
Paul Williams, NFU Cymru Deputy President
Welsh Government figures* suggest that of the 808 farmers on the island who applied either for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) or the Universal layer of the SFS only 264 (33%) have joined the Sustainable Farming Scheme, with many businesses on the island deciding they could not participate under the current rules.
NFU Cymru Deputy President Paul Williams said “Our members fully understand the importance of delivering environmental outcomes alongside food production and they want the Sustainable Farming Scheme to work for all sectors, farm types and areas of Wales.
Limited options
However, what we’re hearing from farmers across Anglesey is that the scheme doesn’t necessarily reflect the realities of farming on the island.
“Many farmers feel they have very limited options when trying to meet the habitat requirements, particularly where they don't already have 10% permanent habitat on their farm. There is a need to extend the range of temporary habitat options to make sure that they can work for all sectors and all areas of Wales, including the type of land and farm types we typically see on Anglesey.”
The union says one example would be the addition of Red Clover as a temporary habitat option.
Mr Williams added: “Red Clover has many benefits, as a nitrogen fixing plant with deep roots it builds soil fertility and improves soil structure with flowers rich in nectar making it an ideal plant for attracting pollinators like bees. It seems the ideal fit as a temporary habitat option under the SFS, we ask that the Welsh Government introduce this as an additional option for 2027.
Wind and salt burn
“The management prescriptions related to Hedgerows within the SFS (Universal Action 8) are also a challenge on the island with the wind and salt burn on many parts of the island restricting hedge growth and the ability to grow trees within these hedges."
"The first year of the scheme has also shown the need for a simplification of the requirements, with 12 different categories under the Habitat Maintenance category (Universal Action 5) in addition to the Universal code to make them more practical and achievable for the whole of Wales, reflecting, for example, that the growing season varies significantly between different part of the country.
Key talking point at the show
The issue is expected to be a key talking point at this year’s Anglesey show, where farmers will have the opportunity to discuss the Sustainable Farming Scheme and the practical challenges they continue to face.
Concluding Paul Williams said " The Cabinet Minister, Llyr Gruffydd has been clear that he is prepared to work with the industry on an evolution of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, and we are heartened that already he has agreed to a simplification of the approach for the Animal Health Improvement Cycle.
When we meet with the Cabinet Minister at the Show today we will discuss the areas where we believe that changes need to be introduced ahead of the 2027 Scheme year."
