22 December 2021
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Welsh growers encouraged to have a say
THE Welsh Government is encouraging growers to register to have their say in the next phase of designing the new Sustainable Farming Scheme.
The first stage of co-design saw around 2,000 people take part and this next phase will take place in the summer of 2022. People can register now to be part of the process, which will give them the opportunity to share opinions on the practicality of proposed actions underpinning the Sustainable Farming Scheme and the wider scheme structure and processes.
The Sustainable Farming Scheme will support farmers to lower their farms’ carbon footprint, help improve the environment and support the production of food in a sustainable way.
The Welsh Government is working with Plaid Cymru, as part of the Co-operation Agreement, to introduce a transition period as the system of farm payments is reformed. Stability payments will continue to be a feature of the Sustainable Farming scheme during and beyond this Senedd term.
"Working together, we will develop the longer-term arrangements for Welsh agriculture – in partnership with the sector – recognising the particular needs of family farms and acknowledging ecologically sustainable local food production," a joint statement revealed.
The next phase of co-design forms part of an ongoing process of engagement with farmers and industry representatives, which will lead to a final consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme and transition in spring 2023.
The scheme is set to be launched in 2025.
Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said: “I want to thank the 2,000 people who were part of the first stage of designing the new scheme and now encourage them and more to register their interest in being part of the second phase.
“The scheme continues to be developed and we will share more details when we publish the outline next year.”
To register to be involved in the second phase of co-designing the new Sustainable Farming Scheme, growers can register their interest on the Welsh Government’s website or speak to their local Farm Liaison Service representative.
