The revised Sustainable Farming Scheme, published today, is welcome and must now deliver meaningful support to help sustain farming communities and people living in rural communities across Wales, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has said.
The updated proposals from Welsh Government set out how post-EU farm payments will be replaced with a new approach focused on sustainable land management. The scheme will replace the old system with a clearer and greener approach. Instead of paying farmers based on how much land they own, the scheme will offer support for actions that help the environment, such as protecting wildlife, improving soil, and planting trees or hedgerows. It includes different levels of support depending on what farmers choose to do, and £238 million has been set aside to help get it started in 2026.
Recognising the central role of farming in rural life, the WLGA has highlighted how changes to funding can affect not only farm businesses but also local jobs, schools, services and population stability, all of which impact on local government services. WLGA will continue discussions with Welsh Government about implications from a local government perspective.
Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Joint Lead WLGA spokesperson for Rural Affairs, said:
“Farming is at the heart of rural life. When farming families struggle, whole communities can feel the effects, from job losses to declining local services. A well-supported farming sector doesn’t just produce food – it supports small businesses, cultural life, and the Welsh language in many areas.
“This scheme must deliver for the future of our rural areas. If we want to keep our communities vibrant and our local economies strong, farming support has to be fair, practical and properly resourced. Get this right, and we strengthen the fabric of rural life. Get it wrong, and we risk missing the opportunity to support communities to thrive.”
Councillor Bryan Davies, Joint Lead WLGA spokesperson for Rural Affairs added:
“Whilst we welcome today’s announcement it is disappointing that the Welsh Government has not published a comprehensive economic impact assessment, as requested by many partners and stakeholders, to enable a thorough analysis of the impact of the proposals on rural Wales.
"Further, it remains uncertain at this stage how much funding will be made available to deliver the scheme after 2026. Adequate funding to deliver the scheme is critical in ensuring the viability of the scheme for the benefits of the wider rural economy, as outlined in our Rural Manifesto to be published at the Royal Welsh Agriculture Show (RWAS) next Tuesday.
"We look forward to discussing the impact of the latest proposals from the Welsh Government on rural Wales with our key partners at the RWAS next week”.