The Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme doesn’t deliver for Welsh farmers, is the message from local Senedd Member Paul Davies.

The new Sustainable Farming Scheme replaces the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) system and comes into place on the 1st January 2026. It is a voluntary scheme and farm businesses in Wales can opt to receive government support if they adhere to twelve universal actions which range from soil health planning to hedgerow management and habitat maintenance.

In addition, the Welsh Government has confirmed that Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments will drop to 60% of current payment levels in 2026 and taper off in the following years.

Mr Davies said, “However, this is dressed up, it’s another blow to Welsh farmers, who are already reeling from a series of devasting government policies from the Welsh Government and the UK Government.”

“The decision to cut BPS payments to 60%, when it was widely believed to be around 80%, is just cruel and shows the Welsh Government’s lack of commitment to our food producers. The failure to produce an Economic Impact Assessment means we’re not able to understand exactly how much this will change the industry.”

“The Wesh Government’s commitment to addressing climate change does not have to compromise Welsh farmers but they have made a political choice that will force some farmers to consider whether it’s worth farming at all.”

“Whether it’s changes to Inheritance Tax, inaction on Bovine TB, or jumping through hurdles via the new Sustainable Farming Scheme, governments at both ends of the M4 have let down our farmers.”