The news that the UK Government is to stop accepting new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Scheme in England has proven the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ views and concerns in response to previous consultations in Wales were correct.
On 11 March, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, announced that England’s SFI scheme had reached its application limit, with 37,000 agreements signed for funding, and the total budget subsequently allocated.
The FUW has consistently argued that any replacement farm support scheme in Wales must be built on robust economic analysis, thorough piloting, and clear long-term planning to prevent such instability.
FUW President Ian Rickman responded to the announcement, saying: “When we hosted a panel discussion at last year’s Royal Welsh Show on how agricultural support policies are being developed across the UK, three of the four speakers expressed a preference for farming in England.
“Yet, just eight months later, the reality in England has changed drastically. The UK Government’s erratic approach of announcing and adjusting payment rates without thorough economic modelling has left farmers in the lurch, highlighting the dangers of shortsighted policies.”
“For decades, the FUW has championed a structured, economically sound approach to farm support. Unlike England’s unsustainable model, Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) has been shaped through rigorous consultation and input from farming communities. Thanks to FUW’s advocacy, the Scheme will include an area-based Universal Baseline Payment, ensuring fairer, more stable support for Welsh farmers.”
The FUW has also long advocated for capping payments to maximise the amount of money going to typical family farms and those who make the greatest contribution to rural communities and the economy.
“As discussions continue over the finer details of the SFS, the lessons from England must not be ignored,” Mr Rickman added.
“The Welsh Government must remain committed to its structured, consultative approach and ensure the transition from the Basic Payment Scheme provides certainty for farmers. It is crucial that any new scheme is workable, affordable, and prioritises those who sustain our rural communities.”
Dai Miles, Farmers’ Union of Wales Deputy President added:
“The turmoil in England is a clear example of why Welsh farmers need strong representation through the FUW. Without a union advocating for fair policies and financial stability, farmers risk being subjected to ill-conceived government schemes that fail to address their real needs.
As the FUW marks its 70th anniversary, this milestone reinforces the enduring importance of farmer-led representation. The challenges of modern farming - government policy shifts, economic pressures, and environmental demands - make it more crucial than ever for farmers to stand together. By uniting under the FUW, Welsh farmers can continue to shape policies that protect their way of life and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
