Montgomeryshire MS Russell George has strongly criticised the Welsh Government’s new Sustainable Farming Scheme, warning that it risks doing real harm to farmers across Mid Wales and may lead some to question whether they can remain in the industry at all.
This week, the Welsh Government published further information, including payment rates and details of the transition, for their Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). This will be the primary source of government support for Welsh farming starting in 2026.
The SFS, due to replace the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy in January, will require farmers to complete twelve “universal actions” to receive support. The actions include hedgerow management, habitat maintenance, and soil health planning.
However, Mr George says the headline issue is the Welsh Government’s decision to slash Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) support to 60% of current levels in 2026, with further reductions expected in future years.
Mr George also slammed the Welsh Government for failing to publish an Economic Impact Assessment alongside the scheme.
While the SFS is framed as an environmental initiative, Mr George said rural communities should not be forced to choose between protecting the environment and staying in business. Mr George added that the scheme reflects a deeper disconnect between the Labour-led Welsh Government and rural Wales.
Mr George is calling for an immediate release of the Economic Impact Assessment, a rethink of the phased reduction in support, and direct engagement with farmers in Mid Wales to ensure their voices are heard before it’s too late.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“There are aspects of the scheme that can be cautiously welcomed, but other elements are devastating for farmers across Mid Wales.
‘’The decision to slash Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) support to 60% of current levels in 2026, with further reductions expected in future years will put enormous pressure on an already struggling sector.
“It is unacceptable to announce a major shift in farm support without providing any assessment of the likely economic impact. How can farmers, communities, or policymakers make informed decisions when the Government refuses to show what the consequences will be.
“Of course, we want to see nature protected and climate change addressed, but the Welsh Government’s approach seems to be to put more burdens on farmers while cutting their support. That’s not a sustainable future for the farming industry.
“From inaction on Bovine TB, to the family farm tax, to this new scheme - farmers in Mid Wales feel ignored and undervalued. We need policies that work for rural Wales, not just ones that sound good on paper in Cardiff Bay.”