The county level meetings aimed to provide members with the information they need to inform their decision on whether to join the new SFS from 1 January 2026 or remain in the current Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
The sessions have highlighted the need for members to address four key actions ahead of next year:
- Set up their One Login on the Welsh Government Gateway
- Complete the ready reckoner tool on the Welsh Government, website which compares the two options available to farmers.
- Ensure the Data Confirmation exercises are completed.
- For those in rental agreements, speak to landlords or tenants to clarify what land will be available and who can claim it.
These actions will help farmers build a clear picture of what to expect when completing the SFS application form by May next year. It is vital that members who encounter problems setting up their One Login contact Rural Payments Wales (RPW) on 0300 062 5004.
Ready reckoner
The ready reckoner will also be a key tool in giving farmers an early indication of what their options may look like under SFS. Members are reminded that it is possible to switch from BPS to SFS at any point during the transition phase, but once entered into SFS, it is not possible to revert to BPS. This is why early preparation is essential.
Another important step is completing the Data Confirmation, which is a mapping exercise carried out by Welsh Government. This will show where Welsh Government has identified habitat and woodland on your land. NFU Cymru is urging members to check carefully that all habitats and woodland have been mapped correctly. This needs to be checked and completed by 31st October 2025.
Tenant farmers
For tenant farmers, conversations with landlords should take place now to ensure clarity around land that will be available to claim.
NFU Cymru Glamorgan County Chair Tom Rees, who chaired the union’s meetings in his region, said “It is vital people start to look at their options now as we move towards the end of year as the 1st January will soon be upon us. NFU Cymru have done a brilliant job of outlining and summarising the scheme so that members have clarity on the steps they need to take. This is a period of significant change for Welsh agriculture and farmers’ next steps in this process need to be about preparation.”
