Welsh Government Postpones Rollout of Controversial New Farming Subsidy Scheme
The Welsh government has announced a delay in the implementation of its highly debated new subsidy scheme for farmers. The scheme, which would require farmers in Wales to allocate 10% of their eligible land to tree cover and another 10% to natural habitat, will now not be put into effect until 2026. This decision comes after a series of protests by farmers who fear the proposed changes will result in job losses and financial strain on their operations by removing usable land. Another tractor go-slow demonstration is scheduled to take place in Cardiff today.
Speaking at a farm near Bridgend, Welsh Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies confirmed the postponement of the transition period for the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). “We have always maintained that the scheme would not be implemented until it is ready, and I stand by that,” he stated. “Since the beginning of my tenure, I have been actively engaging with our farmers, listening to their concerns, and taking their feedback into consideration.”
Irranca-Davies acknowledged that farmers have been vocal in expressing their thoughts and suggestions, and he appreciates their honesty. “My commitment to meaningful engagement with the farming sector, as well as our colleagues in Plaid Cymru under the Cooperation Agreement and other stakeholders, regarding the necessary changes, will require an adjustment to the implementation timeline,” he added.
Last week, Mr. Irranca-Davies announced the formation of a new roundtable group, which will include farming unions, to discuss the scheme. He also shared that the initial findings of a major consultation with farmers, which concluded in March, indicated the need for modifications. “We received over 12,000 responses, and this overwhelming feedback has provided us with a wealth of information to further develop the scheme,” he stated. “I have seen a draft of the analysis, and it is evident that some changes will be necessary, within the framework that farming unions and others have always supported.”
He continued, “The recent adverse weather conditions have highlighted the impact of climate change on agriculture, not just in Wales but across the UK. Climate change is not a distant future; it is already here.” Irranca-Davies explained that the new timeline will allow for additional data to be collected to provide a more accurate assessment of the habitat and tree cover on all farms. However, he assured that the government will continue to promote the benefits and opportunities of tree cover and woodland on farms.
James Evans MS, shadow rural affairs minister, praised the minister for listening to the industry, unions, and the thousands of individuals who responded to the consultation. “However, we need to see real changes made to the SFS in its current form,” he urged. “Farmers I have spoken to have significant concerns about tree planting, common land, and tenant farmers. We need more details from the cabinet secretary on the amendments he plans to make to the scheme to ensure that it works for our farmers, not against them, and safeguards the future of the industry.”
Plaid Cymru’s rural affairs spokesperson Llyr Gruffydd MS also welcomed the postponement, stating, “I have long argued that rushing into a scheme that will impact generations of farming is both irresponsible and foolish.” He sees this as an opportunity to step back and make necessary changes to ensure industry buy-in and a more sustainable scheme for farming and nature. “We have always maintained that the one-size-fits-all approach of 10% tree cover will not be suitable for all types of farms and locations,” he said. “There is now recognition that this requires flexibility and consideration of other methods to capture carbon.”
