Sustainable Farming Scheme: proposed scheme outline (2024)

Using your feedback to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) consultation – Keeping Farmers Farming, we have worked closely with the farming unions and other important stakeholders to make changes to the proposed Scheme. We continue to listen to stakeholder views to shape the SFS, so that it provides the necessary support for a vibrant and progressive agricultural industry in Wales. The SFS is being designed to support you in the ongoing sustainable production of food, to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and maintain and enhancing nature on your farm.  

This document sets out an interim position that is the result of discussions so far. This is not the final Scheme and Welsh Ministers have not made any final decisions on it – as we promised, we will now carry out an economic analysis and impact assessment so that we can understand what the Scheme will mean for farmers and wider society. This will include an assessment of the proposals against the four Sustainable Land Management objectives and the impact for example on farm business income, for a range of different farm types and sizes. The final Scheme will be published in Summer 2025, ahead of the Scheme starting on 1 January 2026. 

We know you will need the final detail and payment rates before you can decide when it is right for you and your business to enter the Scheme. However the Welsh Government and Ministerial Roundtable members felt it important to share the details of our discussions with you at this stage, recognising that further work and stakeholder discussion is planned before the Scheme is finalised.

We have listened to your feedback, and stakeholder discussions, and based on this we have changed several key areas to ensure the Scheme is accessible and practical, providing an opportunity for support to all farms in Wales. Some examples of the changes made include: 

• removing the Scheme Rule to have 10% tree cover. We have replaced this with a new Universal Action for a tree planting and hedgerow creation opportunity plan.  We will support tree planting and hedgerow creation through Optional Actions and will encourage planting on a scheme-wide scale, without a mandatory farm-level percentage target for tree cover
• merging the three Animal Health, Welfare and Biosecurity actions into a single simplified Action to focus discussions with your farm vet on improved animal health and welfare outcomes
• we will make payments in the Universal Layer on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to reflect your role in managing these important sites
• including grazing rights on common land within the Universal Baseline Payment
• we have reduced the overall number of Universal Actions – from 17 to 12

We all agree that producing safe, high-quality food in Wales is vital to our future. We also agree that farming already contributes much more than just the food we eat. A prosperous industry is vital to support farmers to produce food sustainably and provide a wealth of economic, environmental and social benefits.

The SFS will serve as the primary source of government support for farming in Wales in the future. Through listening and partnership working we, along with the stakeholders working with us, believe these changes make it easier for farmers to deliver, while still meeting our commitments to sustainable food production, nature, the environment and climate change. 

We deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work shown by everyone involved so far. The significance of this collaboration, and its effect on the resilience of our farming industry and the wellbeing of our farmers, is fully recognised. 

The ongoing sustainable production of food remains the cornerstone of the SFS. However, as a result of climate change we are likely to experience, for example, far more flooding and drought in Wales, for example, which are a major risk to future food production. Our natural ecosystems are the best defence we have in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. 

To recognise this, along with important social and cultural aspects interlinked with farming, the Sustainable Land Management (SLM) objectives were established in the Agriculture (Wales) Act. The SLM objectives are: 

• sustainable production of food and other goods
• mitigating and adapting to climate change
• maintain and enhance the resilience of ecosystems and the benefits they provide
• conserve and enhance the countryside and cultural resources and promote public access to and engagement with them, and to sustain the Welsh language and promote and facilitate its use

The SFS will help achieve these objectives and will reward farmers for actions which align with them.

We are working in partnership with farmers, industry representatives and other key stakeholders to ensure the Scheme and its Actions are suitable, accessible and that you have the appropriate level of support. 

In May the Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Rural Affairs, announced the establishment of a SFS Ministerial Roundtable. The Roundtable is chaired by the Deputy First Minister directly and is made up of 18 senior stakeholders representing farmers and the food, nature, forestry and veterinary sectors, as well as wider supply chains. The Roundtable provides direct support to the Deputy First Minister, who will make all final decisions along with the rest of the Welsh Government Cabinet, balancing the evidence, stakeholder views and other considerations.

The purpose and scope of the Roundtable is to review and consider the priorities for the Universal, Optional and Collaborative Layers of the SFS, along with Scheme Rules (including the 10% requirements), eligibility criteria, and the payment methodology. The Roundtable has already reviewed many of these aspects within the context of the SLM objectives and has been informed by your consultation responses. This document reflects the outcome of these discussions. 

The Roundtable is supported by two subgroups, an Officials Working Group and the Carbon Sequestration Evidence Review Panel (referred to as the Carbon Panel from here on). Membership of the groups can be found at Annex 1. 

Officials Working Group: The membership of this group is wider than the Roundtable, including a diverse group of organisations with an interest in agriculture, food production, the environment and other benefits which are delivered through sustainable farming. 

The Group has been delegated the responsibility to review technical aspects of the Scheme design and to report back to the Roundtable, identify areas of agreement, areas requiring further work and points for escalation to resolve. This Group has provided much of the operational expertise to ensure the Scheme design in this document is appropriate and deliverable. 

Carbon Sequestration Evidence Review Panel: This Carbon Panel is a representative cross section of the Roundtable members, and was established to explore the evidence underpinning further or alternative actions to sequester carbon within the Universal Layer of the Scheme. 

The Carbon Panel have explored the potential Actions, the evidence base, the scale of opportunity for each Action to be undertaken across Wales including the practical considerations at farm level. 

​The work of the Carbon Panel has been captured in an Executive Summary ​Review of further and alternative proposals to achieve carbon sequestration within the sustainable farming scheme  which has been published alongside this Scheme Outline.  The recommendations of the Carbon Panel has helped inform discussions at the Roundtable on Scheme design and changes in this document such as removing the Scheme Rule for 10% of each farm to have tree cover. The proposals in this document are consistent with the recommendations of the Carbon Panel.

The recommendations and the Carbon Panel’s full report, which will be published soon after, will continue to inform the development of the Scheme and wider programme.

This chapter outlines what you will need to do annually to enter and be part of the Scheme. 

We have designed the scheme to support farmers, who provide multiple benefits, including food, to the nation. To be eligible for the Universal and Optional Layers of the Scheme, which were set out in the Consultation, you must:

• undertake agricultural or ancillary activities on agricultural land
• have at least three hectares of eligible agricultural land in Wales or be able to demonstrate more than 550 standard labour hours
• have exclusive occupation and management control of the land for at least 10 months of the calendar year

You must also be able to demonstrate that the Universal Actions and scheme requirements have been applied to the land for all 12 months of the year, where applicable. 

New/young entrants

We remain committed to enabling new and young entrants to enter the Scheme. We have previously described how payments will not be based on entitlements, quotas or historical reference periods, so new and young entrants will join the Scheme on the same terms as all other farmers.  Most new and young entrants will access the SFS as tenants, and we have already made significant changes to Scheme design to ensure it is accessible to tenant farmers. 

The main challenges to most new and young entrants are limited access to land and finance. These aspects sit outside of the scope of the Scheme itself, however we will continue to work with the Roundtable and Official’s Groups, which includes the Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, to explore opportunities for addressing these wider issues.     

We also intend to carry on supporting a full range of skills, mentoring, succession planning and the establishment of shared farming enterprises for new and young entrants.   

Cross-border farm holdings

If you are a cross-border farm business you must be able to meet the eligibility criteria, Universal Actions and scheme requirements on your land in Wales. 

We are not able to pay on land outside of Wales, and therefore cannot take account of land you may farm outside of Wales. We understand that you carry out some farm management practices on a whole farm basis and will take this into account. For example, if you carry out an Integrated Pest Management assessment across your whole farm, we will not require you to undertake a separate assessment for your land in Wales for Universal Action 5. 

We will continue to consider the practicalities of cross-border holdings to support your move into the Scheme.

Eligibility of others to qualify for SFS funding 

Individuals or organisations who own land which is not used for agriculture or are not involved in ancillary activities may not be eligible for funding under Universal and Optional Actions. They may be eligible for support under a collaborative project delivering against SLM objectives, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Where this land is managed by a tenant farmer who can meet the eligibility requirements, Universal Actions and scheme requirements, they may be eligible for the Scheme. 

Here we outline the proposed Universal Actions and the requirement for part of the farm to be managed as habitat.  We explain why each Action is included, if it applies to you, what you need to do, and the timescales for doing it.

Everyone joining the Scheme must meet the Universal Actions. They are designed to cover farms in all sectors and every part of Wales. We recognise some actions will not apply to every farm – for example, Universal Action 15, Animal health and welfare would not apply to arable only farms.  

We have kept the Universal Action numbers as set out in the consultation for this document. We now have 12 Universal Actions rather than 17. The following have been removed as individual Universal Actions, however there will be opportunities to support these practices through the Optional Layer:

UA4: Multispecies cover crop 

UA6: Managing heavily modified peatland 

UA10: Ponds and scrapes 

UA16: Good animal welfare (merged with Universal Action 15)

UA17: Good farm biosecurity (merged with Universal Action 15)

Complete an annual measuring and monitoring assessment to optimise business and environmental performance.

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

By regularly measuring the performance of your business you can identify where improvements can be made to lower costs, make better use of resources, and make environmental improvements. The process will signpost you to advice, guidance and possible financial support from the Welsh Government to help with improvements you choose to make. Benchmarking will also support the delivery of further activity in Universal Action 15 Animal Health and Welfare, and through the Optional and Collaborative Actions.

What has changed?

We have amended this Universal Action so  you do not need to complete specific mandatory Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Instead, you will now be able to choose performance indicators suitable for your farm from an industry agreed list. If you are already benchmarking using an industry recognised benchmarking tool, we will accept this as sufficient / equivalent to meet this Universal Action.

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

All farmers will need to complete this Action.

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, you must either:

• complete an assessment each scheme year, with KPIs from an industry approved list. It must include two performance indicators for each farm enterprise you run (for example beef, sheep, dairy) or three key performance indicators if you run a single enterprise
• record data on the Farming Connect Key Performance Indicator tool to gain advice and evidence the Universal Action has been completed. Farming Connect will inform RPW when the action has been completed, but will not share your data to check on your performance  

Or 

• declare on the Single Application Form (SAF) the industry recognised benchmarking tool you are using

We intend to use the Farming Connect Key Performance Indicator tool to help you to record and manage performance. The tool will include a range of KPIs but is designed to help you focus on those most relevant to your business. 

On completion, the tool will display completed KPIs, each showing results in pictorial form and signposting you to relevant support where needed. You will be able to consider the outputs from the process to identify ways to support financial, productivity and environmental improvements on your farm. 

The Farming Connect Key Performance Indicator tool will be available as a pilot from spring 2025. 

When will I need to do this Action?

To be completed by the end of each scheme year. 

Build on your existing skills and knowledge with ongoing learning on a range of subjects. 

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

We want to support you to build on your skills and knowledge. This Action will help you and your farm business adapt to a changing industry, innovation, supply chain demands and the impacts of the climate and nature emergency. The learning will also support the delivery of further activities through the Optional and Collaborative Actions.

What has changed? 

We have amended this Universal Action so that you: 

• will need to complete six hours of learning plus an element of Health and Safety learning - instead of six modules
• can choose what learning you want to undertake, as long as it meets the SLM objectives
• have a choice of learning providers
• can choose how you learn, for example in person as part of a discussion group, more formal training or online

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

Any member or partner  within the farm business. Where there is more than one person, the learning can be completed between you. The choice is yours, although we would encourage you to share all learning throughout the farm business, farm staff and wider family where appropriate. 

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, you must: 

• complete six hours of learning of your choice, plus Health & Safety learning each scheme year 
• record the learning on Farming Connect Storfa Sgiliau to evidence the Universal Action has been completed. Farming Connect will inform RPW when the action has been completed, but will not share your data to review your personal learning   

Any learning completed to meet this Universal Action should be applicable to the business, so our intention is to be flexible on what learning counts.  We do not intend to list specific courses or training providers, but do expect the learning to be of value and recognisable so that it can be recorded as Continuous Personal Development.

In addition, registered livestock keepers will have to complete proficiency training for mobility and body condition scoring for your herd or flock as part of Universal Action 15 (Animal Health and Welfare). This proficiency training must be completed at least every five years and can be done by a member of staff (it will count towards the six hours if completed by a business member or partner) with responsibility for livestock management if appropriate. 

Undertaking a range of learning covering production and environmental subjects can benefit you and the farm business.  For example, animal health and welfare learning could lead to reduced costs for you, and environmental benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and fewer veterinary medicines entering the environment. 

When will I need to do this Action?

You must complete your six hours of learning each scheme year. 

You will also need to complete the mandatory Health and Safety learning that applies to you in the same time period. 

Building healthy soils through testing to help soil health planning.

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

Healthy soils underpin all our shared objectives - including the production of quality food, securing and growing carbon stores, enhancing biodiversity and regulating water flow. 

This Action, in line with the Carbon Panel’s recommendations, is designed to support you in developing baseline knowledge of the status of your soils, and to support you in actions to improve soil health where appropriate. This may for example include more targeted use of inputs to reduce waste and improve efficiency or support changes to other farm practices such as new multispecies leys and grazing practices which increase species diversity and rooting depth so pasture is more resilient to extreme weather. 

What has changed? 

We have amended this Universal Action so that: 

• we will include soil testing undertaken prior to entering the Scheme, within the requirement to test all of the appropriate land within 5 years
• we have removed the link to the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations record keeping. However, we still require you to maintain appropriate information on farm on the testing results and any consequential actions
• you can prioritise testing on land where nutrient management is most important to you, while ensuring all relevant land is tested within the five-year period

Soil testing is intended to support you to progress to a full soil health planning exercise including nutrient accounting, and improved soil husbandry where appropriate, for example to remedy soil compaction. We intend to support this through advice and guidance, and Optional Actions.     

What we are now proposing

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

All farmers entering the Scheme.

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, you must: 

• carry out soil testing for Potassium (K), Phosphorous (P), Magnesium (M), pH and Soil Organic Matter (SOM)
• test at least 20% of your land which has previously received or may receive inputs (natural and artificial) or lime each year, so that all of this land is tested in a five-year cycle. If you choose to test more than 20% per year this is acceptable   
• record soil testing results via RPW Online and any consequential actions in your farm records
• retain farm records on farm

When will I need to do this Action?

To be completed by the end of each scheme year. 

Complete an annual assessment of Plant Protection Products used and alternative methods employed to reduce chemical usage.

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on the growth of a healthy crop, with the least possible disruption to the wider ecosystem. This approach encourages the most appropriate form of disease, pest or weed control from the use of technology and non-chemical methods as well as targeted chemical use when required. Adopting an IPM approach will mean you can target, and potentially reduce your use of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) - this can save you money, encourage beneficial invertebrates, reduce the risk of pest resistance, and reduce risks to human health.

What has changed? 

This Universal Action has not changed. 

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

All farmers entering the Scheme who use, or employ contractors to use, PPPs such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, molluscicides or plant growth regulators. 

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, you must: 

• Complete an annual IPM assessment, to include consideration of, for example:
  • appropriate cultivation techniques 
  • diverse crop rotations and companion crops 
  • pest-resistant crop varieties 
  • tailored and efficient use of inputs (pesticides and fertiliser) 
  • wildlife habitats in and around fields to encourage predators and other insects that feed on crop pests
     
• If you use PPPs, collect and record data on which products you have used on your farm. Each time a product is used you must record the:
  • name of the PPP
  • amount used
  • date and time applied
  • location and size of area treated (in hectares)
  • crop type treated
  • reason for treatment, and 
  • weather conditions at time of application
     
• Retain farm records / plans on farm and confirm the Universal Action has been completed through RPW Online

When will I need to do this Action?

To be completed by the end of each scheme year. 

Maintain the semi-natural habitats on your farm to benefit grazing livestock and wildlife. 

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

Semi-natural habitats include the heathlands, wetlands and the range of species rich grasslands of all types managed as pasture and hay fields across Welsh farms. These habitats provide forage for livestock and depend on sustainable levels of grazing to provide a home for wildlife and an attractive and diverse landscape. Semi-natural habitats in good condition can also provide other benefits such as helping to regulate water flow to reduce the risk of flooding.

What has changed? 

We have amended this Universal Action so that you: 

• no longer need to meet Universal Action 10 Ponds and Scrapes as a standalone Action. Maintenance of existing ponds is now included as a habitat type within this Action, while the creation of additional ponds and scrapes has been moved to an Optional Action
• can now include ‘newly created habitat areas on improved land’ as a habitat type, acknowledging the valuable new habitats farmers are creating, such as streamside corridors that will develop into woodland or wetland over time

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action? 

All farmers in the Scheme who manage at least one of the habitats listed below. 

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, you must manage all areas of habitat on your farm included on the following list in line with the management requirements: 

• coastal saltmarsh
• coastal sand dune and shingle beach
• lowland and coastal heath
• enclosed wetland and marshy grassland
• enclosed semi-natural dry grassland (grazed and hay meadow management options)
• upland open habitats
• traditional orchards (woody habitat)
• dense bracken
• scrub (woody habitat)
• wood pasture (woody habitat)
• permanent wildlife ponds
• newly created habitat areas on Improved land

For each habitat type on your farm, we will provide a short description and a series of measurable outcomes such as ground conditions or sward height which would characterise good condition. These are the specific outcomes you will need to achieve. 

We are currently working with stakeholders on the Officials Group to review the precise details of the management requirements, therefore they are not included in this document. 

We will also provide management recommendations such as suggested stock exclusion periods, or grazing numbers. For most habitat types, these are to help you manage the areas and are advisory only. 

The measurable outcomes and management recommendations will be included within the Scheme Guidance.       

For habitat within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a SSSI Management Plan would take precedence over the requirements of this Universal Action.

You must declare the area and type of habitat on your SAF and that you are meeting this Action on an ongoing basis. We will provide the information we hold to help you to do this (see Confirming the information needed for the Scheme).

When will I need to do this Action?

You will need to manage your habitats from when you enter the Scheme and on an ongoing basis. 

To increase the benefits for nature through connected and diverse habitats.

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

This Action enables you to create additional temporary habitats on improved land if less than 10% of your land is classed as existing habitat (see Scheme requirement; at least 10% of each farm is managed as habitat). 

It supports temporary habitat creation and more mixed farming systems to attract a greater variety of wildlife, especially where it can connect otherwise isolated areas of existing habitat. 

The nature and climate emergency is a significant risk to food production and is already causing problems for many from inconsistent and extremes in the weather. Our natural ecosystems are the best defence we have in adapting to the risks of climate change. In addition, consumers and the supply chain are often requiring action to support biodiversity on farmland. This Action will help you meet these increasing market demands.     

What has changed? 

This Universal Action has not changed, other than an additional habitat creation type has been added since the last consultation (unsprayed spring sown cereal and protein crop mix with stubbles retained). 

We will continue to consider other appropriate temporary habitat types to give you greater choice. 

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

Farmers entering the scheme who do not have enough existing habitat to meet the scheme requirement that at least 10% of each farm is managed as habitat. 

What you will need to do

You will need to create sufficient temporary habitat from the list below (or any additional habitat types we develop with the Roundtable) to meet the scheme requirement. You can choose one or more types depending on what suits your farming system. Where possible we would encourage a mix of habitat creation types to support a greater variety of wildlife: 

• fallow crop margins
• unfertilised, unsprayed and unharvested cereal and linseed headlands
• fixed rough grass margins on arable land
• rotational rough grass margins on arable land
• unsprayed spring sown cereal and protein crop mix with stubbles retained
• establishment of mixed leys on improved land (also referred to as multi-species or herbal leys)
• establish a wildlife cover crop on improved land

We do not expect those temporary habitats involving cultivation to be created on permanent grassland with existing habitat benefits. They can be located around the farm as necessary, for example as part of an ongoing crop rotation. They are temporary, and sown, so are not subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulation requiring them to be maintained as permanent habitat.  

You will need to declare the crops and area planted (or to be planted) on your SAF and that you are meeting this Action on an ongoing basis. This can be updated during the year if your intentions change for example because of ground conditions or disease risks. 

When will I need to do this Action?

These habitat types have different seasonal establishment dates throughout the year. Depending on the types you choose, you must establish the habitat at the earliest opportunity each year. 

Support enhancement of designated sites, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest by working with Natural Resources Wales to have a Management Plan with an agreed Schedule of Works in place. 

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

Having a Management Plan in place will help to protect our most valuable areas and wildlife from decline, whilst continuing to support your sustainable farm practice on these areas. The Management Plans will provide your opportunity to improve the condition of these sites, and their importance to your farm through the Optional and Collaborative Layers of the Scheme.

What has changed? 

We have amended this Universal Action so that you: 

• will need to work with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to develop and have a Management Plan in place that includes an agreed and consented Schedule of Works, designed to provide easier access to support for enhancing the condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• separate to this change, we have previously stated our intention to include areas of habitat and woodland SSSIs within the habitat and woodland maintenance payments as part of the Universal Baseline Payment  

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action? 

All farms which include an area of SSSI (or other designated site).

What you will need to do

• working in partnership with NRW you will need to have a Management Plan in place for SSSI areas on your farm by the end of 2030. If you have multiple SSSI on your farm which are managed separately, you may need more than one Management Plan

The Schedule of Works included in the Management Plan will provide opportunities to apply for additional funding within the Optional or Collaborative Layer (or external funding sources) for targeted support to improve the management and condition of the site.   

The introduction of a Management Plan would replace the need to manage these areas in accordance with Universal Action 7 or Universal Action 12. 

You may have a separate agreement with NRW for these areas which would satisfy the requirements of this Universal Action.

We will provide the information we hold to help you to identify SSSI areas on your farm. NRW will confirm when the Action is complete.

When will I need to do this Action?

Your Management Plan will need to be in place by the end of 2030. 

In circumstances where it is not possible to complete the Management Plan process by this deadline, due to factors outside of your control – for example in seeking agreement from multiple parties - we will take this into account. 

Increase the size and density of regularly trimmed hedgerows to benefit livestock, carbon storage, biodiversity and landscape.

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

Hedgerow management is a cyclical process where hedges are closely cropped, managed by laying or coppicing, and sometimes allowed to grow up and out. Our landscape and our wildlife benefit from a range of hedgerow conditions, depending on where each hedge is in the cycle. This Universal Action, in line with the Carbon Panel’s recommendations, focuses on hedgerows which are regularly trimmed or cut, and is designed to maximise shelter for livestock, carbon sequestration potential, and a home and food source for wildlife. 

What has changed? 

We have amended this Universal Action so that you:

• can achieve bigger and denser hedges through incremental cutting every two years or more. Annual cutting will not be permitted other than for recognised exemptions such as managing roadsides or around utilities 

• no longer have the requirement for all managed hedgerows to be in ‘good condition’ by 2030

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

All farmers entering the Scheme who have hedgerows which are regularly trimmed or cut.

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, you will need to: 

• manage your hedgerows by not trimming or cutting every year (you can cut every second year or less frequently)
• cut incrementally to increase the height, width and density to a higher and wider point each time up to an optimal size to deliver their full benefits. We will provide advice on what good, size and density, looks like to support this
• support hedgerow trees, on average every 50 metres, by retaining existing trees and identifying specimens to grow if needed
• maintain a one metre buffer zone from the base of the hedge with no cultivation, fertiliser, pesticides or application of any other inputs
• continue to adhere to cutting dates to protect nesting birds (no cutting between 1 March to 31 August)

We expect you will need to identify managed hedges on your SAF and that you are meeting this Action on an ongoing basis. We will provide the information we hold to help you to do this. 

When will I need to do this Action?

Hedgerows on the farm will need to be managed in accordance with the steps above on an annual basis, while ensuring that any one length of hedge is not trimmed or cut in successive years.

Maintain existing woodlands to increase the benefits for livestock, nature and business diversification.

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

Woodlands are a vital part of our landscape, they provide shelter for your livestock, can reduce the flow of water during wet periods and they draw down carbon from the atmosphere. We propose to pay you for the maintenance of these areas in recognition of their importance and the multiple benefits woodlands provide.

What has changed? 

We have amended this Universal Action so that you: 

• you no longer need to retain all trees, but we are expecting to set conditions on the timing and risks associated with felling. Other statutory requirements have not changed, so if you want to fell more than 5m³ you will need a felling licence, and larger-scale forestry operations will need a UK Forestry Standard compliant Management Plan
• no longer need to retain all deadwood. We are working with stakeholders to determine what proportion should be retained
• must maintain native ground flora and prevent damage to tree roots. 
• can feed game birds within woodland at sustainable levels

 What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

All farmers entering the Scheme with existing woodland.

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, you must:

• actively manage all your existing woodland on your farm in line with the management requirements

For any existing woodland on your farm, we will provide management requirements including a short description and a series of measurable outcomes which would characterise good condition. These are the specific outcomes you will need to achieve. 

We are currently working with stakeholders in the Officials Group, on the detail of the measurable outcomes and management requirements, therefore they are not included within this document. 

For woodland within an SSSI, a SSSI Management Plan would take precedence over the requirements of this Universal Action.

 You must declare the area and type of woodland on your SAF and that you are meeting this Action on an ongoing basis. We will provide the information we hold to help you to do this. 

When will I need to do this Action?

You will need to manage your woodlands from when you enter the Scheme and on an ongoing basis. 

Develop a plan which identifies the opportunities for planting additional trees and creating new hedgerows across your farm to deliver multiple benefits. 

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

Additional trees and hedgerows in the landscape can provide multiple benefits. They provide shade and shelter to directly benefit your livestock. They also provide multiple environmental benefits such as habitat for wildlife and help to slow down water flow. Additional trees and hedgerows will sequester carbon and contribute to our climate change mitigation targets. 

What has changed? 

This Universal Action was previously designed to support you in the planting of additional trees and woodland to meet a mandatory Scheme Rule for a minimum 10% tree cover on each farm. As the Scheme Rule has changed to scheme-level targets for tree planting and hedgerow creation, following the Carbon Panel’s recommendations, this Universal Action has changed to reflect that. 

It is still our ambition to support you in planting additional trees and hedgerows on your farm in a way that provides flexibility to suit your land and business. This Universal Action is now designed to support you to create a Tree Planting and Hedgerow Creation Opportunity Plan setting out the areas of your farm which you think would benefit from new trees or hedges based on your knowledge and farming system.  You will be able to use this plan to access funding in the Optional Layer.   

We expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have made some progress in delivering some or all of the planting you have identified in the plan by the end of 2030.  We are considering the possible inclusion of recent planting which you may have undertaken in preparation of entering the SFS.

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

All farmers in the Scheme.

What you will need to do

Develop a plan which identifies the opportunities for planting trees and creating hedgerows across your farm. 

We propose the plan will be developed on RPW Online, and we will provide  existing mapping data to support you to complete this Action. We intend to make this a straightforward process so you will not need to pay for professional forestry guidance, however we will also provide access to advice and guidance on how to identify the best places for new trees and hedges on your farm to support both your farm business and the environmental benefits we need to achieve.  There is no mandatory farm-level planting requirement so you can choose where to identify in your plan to create hedgerows or plant trees to best support your business.

We will expect you to make some progress in delivering your plan by the end of 2030. This could be some or all of it and you may wish to apply to one of the Welsh Government grant schemes for tree planting and hedgerow creation to help.  These are very flexible and provide support for a wide variety of actions including planting woodland areas, shelterbelts, silvopasture (otherwise known as agroforestry), orchards, individual trees and new hedgerows. You can apply for as little as 0.1ha of planting, and this can be in several smaller blocks. You may also complete planting without government support. 

Retain farm records once the plan is completed. If using RPW Online, the Action will be confirmed as completed automatically. 

When will I need to do this Action?

You will need to create your plan by the end of your first year in the Scheme. 

You will need to complete an area of planting by the end of 2030, either having applied to one of the Welsh Government tree planting and hedgerow creation grants or without government support, by the end of 2030. 

Conserve and enhance the countryside and cultural resources. 

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

This Universal Action makes a direct contribution to conserve and enhance the countryside and cultural resources. 

The Welsh countryside is made up of a complex pattern of natural and cultural landscapes, formed through thousands of years of human interaction with the natural environment, including generations of farmers. The landscape of Wales as it is today, is a result of this interaction and it is what gives Wales its distinctive visual and cultural character.

What has changed? 

There is no change to this Action.

What we are now proposing 

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

This is applicable to all farms in the Scheme with at least one historic asset on their farmland from this list:

• scheduled monuments
• listed buildings
• registered parks and gardens
• historic environment features – including both individual features and larger archaeologically sensitive areas
• traditional farm buildings
• landscape features – such as stone walls, earth banks, or stone-faced banks

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, for all historic assets on your farm, you must: 

• monitor, maintain and protect features. Record deterioration and report it where necessary
• comply with the approach of ‘do no damage’ which will be set out in Technical Guidance
• submit evidence (such as geo-tagged photos) on request or where there is a marked change in condition
• undertake specific proactive management - which will depend on the nature of the historic assets on your farm - this could include: 
  • carrying out basic erosion repair and invasive vegetation removal
  • maintaining traditional farm buildings in a stable condition that prevents deterioration, for example replacing slipped slates  
  • carrying out routine maintenance of historic buildings and structures. For example leaf and debris clearance from rainwater goods and water features
• identify historic features on your SAF. We will provide the information we hold to help you to do this

You will need to declare on your SAF the Universal Action has already or will be complete within the scheme year. 

When will I need to do this Action?

The monitoring and ‘do not damage’ approach are ongoing requirements. How often you undertake the proactive maintenance activities will depend on the type of historic assets on your farm, and the condition they are in. 

Support practical, farm-specific improvements in livestock health and welfare to improve productivity.

Why do we have this Universal Action? 

By taking a ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach, you can make improvements in the health, welfare and productivity of your livestock which will benefit you and the industry on a national scale. 

Working closely with your vet will lower the risk of disease and improve the productivity of your livestock, while also building resilience against the impacts of climate change and support you to meet increasing demands from the supply chain.

What has changed? 

• we have blended the three Universal Actions from the Consultation together – Universal Action 15 Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC), Universal Action 16 Good animal welfare and Universal Action 17 Good farm biosecurity
• we have removed the requirement to install wash stations to improve biosecurity. We are still considering support to install wash stations as an Optional Action
• we have removed the requirement to record antibiotic use and animal lameness prevalence as part of the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (it was part of Universal Action 1 Benchmarking)
• records to be maintained on farm for use between you and your vet
• we are working with Farm Assurance schemes and learning providers to recognise existing work and record keeping requirements. This will streamline declaration processes, reduce administrative burden and duplication of effort 

What we are now proposing:

Who needs to do this Universal Action?

All registered livestock keepers. 

What you will need to do

To complete this Universal Action, you must:

• work through the steps of the AHIC with your vet
• complete an annual ‘Incoming Animal Biosecurity Assessment’ with your vet
• complete Mobility and Body Condition Scoring and training for your herd or flock. We are considering alternative welfare tasks for other species 
• retain completed AHIC and biosecurity templates, record animal welfare training on Farming Connect Storfa Sgiliau, and confirm the Universal Action has been completed through RPW Online

i)    Animal Health Improvement Cycle:

The Animal Health Improvement Cycle steps are:

• Measure - With your vet, agree and measure or estimate two to four ‘health metrics’ that are appropriate to assess your livestock performance for health and productivity
• Plan - With your vet, work out your goals and expectations for some of the chosen metric(s), set out targets and agree a plan of action for improvement
• Act - Carry out a manageable number (usually one to four) of the agreed actions and keep a record that these actions have been completed
• Review – With your vet, review the impacts of the actions you have taken and whether these have met the desired goals. The AHIC is an ongoing process and you will be able to amend the metrics used - or the goals and actions -over time, depending on progress

You must carry out the following tasks to support the AHIC process.

ii)   Biosecurity: Incoming Animal Biosecurity Assessment:  

• complete a yearly ‘Incoming Animal Biosecurity Assessment’ - with advice from your vet if you either purchase animals or bring animals back to your farm from grazing. Record completed actions that mitigate biosecurity risks from sourcing and introducing incoming animals 
• all of your enclosed farm boundaries, for which you have responsibility, must be made stock proof appropriate for the species you keep 

iii)  Animal Welfare: Mobility and Body Condition Proficiency and Scoring:

Complete annual Mobility and Body Condition Scoring for your herd or flock, using the provided template.  Proficiency training must be completed at least every five years and can be done by a member of staff (other than a business member or partner) with responsibility for livestock management if appropriate.

When will I need to do this Action?

All tasks need to be completed by end of the first year and then annually thereafter, apart from the proficiency training which must be completed at least every five years.

We propose at least 10% of each farm should be actively managed as habitat for the benefit of wildlife alongside the production of food. 

When determining if you have sufficient semi-natural habitat to meet the 10% requirement, we will include all habitats such as species rich grasslands, ponds and established broadleaf woodland. We also propose to include areas of newly created habitat such as hedgerow, woodland planting or habitat creation on improved land. Other features such as dry-stone walls, traditional farm buildings and coniferous woodlands are not intended to be included.

See Confirming the information needed for the Scheme about how we will help you identify the habitat on your farm. 

If you do not have sufficient existing habitats to meet this 10% requirement you will be able to create new temporary habitats to meet the threshold – see Universal Action 8 Create temporary habitat on improved land. We will support the creation of permanent habitat through the Optional Layer of the Scheme. 

We previously proposed a Scheme Rule for at least 10% of each farm as tree cover or individual trees, which caused concern within the industry and other stakeholders. 

We have listened to your concerns, we have considered the findings of the Carbon Panel, and we have discussed these proposals at length with the Roundtable members and wider stakeholders. As a result, we have removed the proposed Scheme Rule for minimum tree cover as part of the Universal Layer of the Scheme. 

We now propose to support you to plant trees and hedgerows where they are most appropriate for your business, with members of the Roundtable supportive of achieving a Scheme level target for tree planting and hedgerow creation. We will work with the Roundtable to develop this Scheme level target. 

We have redesigned Universal Action 13 to require a tree planting and hedgerow creation opportunity plan.  Our intention is to allocate specific funding for planting (and related actions) to ensure it is achievable through Optional Actions. The members of the Roundtable are committed to working with Welsh Government to address the barriers to tree planting to support the delivery of this Scheme-level target and, in line with the Carbon Panel’s recommendations to develop further opportunities for you to identify additional or alternative carbon sequestration on your farm. 

It is the intention of the Welsh Government and Roundtable members to support you to integrate additional trees and hedgerows on your farm to contribute to carbon sequestration, and the multiple other benefits they provide to you and the production of food. They can provide benefits to your farm business, for example as a long-term investment in a diversified timber crop, or through providing shade and shelter to livestock as well as environmental benefits such as absorbing water, providing habitat for wildlife, and improving air quality. 

We intend to encourage this additional tree planting through the Optional Layer of the Scheme, and are amending our tree planting grants to make it easier and to give you more choice. This includes allowing you to plant smaller areas of woodland and planting within a silvopasture approach (otherwise known as agroforestry) where new trees can be planted throughout pasture where livestock can still graze, or alternatively planting in alleys maintaining arable or horticultural crops as the primary output. 

We will work in partnership with the Roundtable to find opportunities to support you to plant trees where they provide value to you while also achieving wider benefits. Welsh Government has declared a national climate and nature emergency, so action is essential. Achieving the Scheme level target with farmers supported to take positive action where they can allows us to remove the need for a mandatory requirement on individual farms.

Ensuring that support for common land is included in the SFS is a priority for us. In the Consultation we proposed supporting commons through a collaborative model due to the nature of common land rights and the actions an individual grazier has the legal ability to undertake. 

We now propose a different approach for supporting common land.

Based on those Universal Actions which can be adapted for common land, we propose a proportional part of the Universal Baseline Payment (excluding the  habitat management category which will be supported through Collaborative Actions)  can be made to Scheme participants with livestock and who hold common land grazing rights. Payment would be based on an allocation basis similar to the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). You will need to demonstrate compliance with a common land code (part of the Universal Code – see Scheme administration and verification processes).

Through the Collaborative Layer of the Scheme, we still intend to pay more where graziers are part of a Grazing Association and can demonstrate compliance with a set of coordinated grazing actions.  Additional funding would be available for those Grazing Associations who choose to go further, are able to work in partnership with the common land owner, and agree on more targeted common land enhancement works such as peatland restoration.   

We also expect to provide collaborative support to create more common land associations to bring common land into management agreements, similar to Habitat Scheme Wales - Commons, supporting graziers to go further than the actions set out in the commons code.

We will continue to work with the Roundtable to consider aspects such as the appropriate eligibility criteria for common land payments and the payment allocation process.     

The Optional and Collaborative Layers of the Scheme will build on the foundation provided by the Universal Layer and will be complemented by the schemes launched in 2025 as part of our Preparatory Phase. They will provide you with further funding opportunities to progress with additional economic, environmental and social actions.

The range of Optional Actions available to you will reflect the priorities outlined in the Consultation, the Carbon Panel’s recommendations for additional carbon sequestration actions on farms, as well priority government objectives. We expect these to include, for example, actions on productivity, sustainable farm practice, habitat restoration and continued small grants support.

The Collaborative Layer of the scheme will support you to work together with other farmers and organisations on joint projects to maximise the potential for delivering economic, environmental or social benefits.  Some examples may include sharing knowledge and innovation with other farmers or academia, or working together to improve and enhance local supply chain opportunities. The Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS) will be used to help inform the Collaborative Actions, such as creating interconnected habitats across landscapes in a co-ordinated way to maximise environmental outcomes. 

You will have the flexibility to choose the Optional and Collaborative Actions that work best for your farm and your ambitions; however we may target some Actions at specific areas or sectors depending on their priority and the outcomes they are designed to deliver. 

This support will be a combination of capital and revenue grants, alongside effective advice, guidance and knowledge transfer.

We will work with the Roundtable to agree which priority Optional and Collaborative Actions will be made available at the start of the Scheme in 2026, with further Actions to be introduced in phases over the Transition Period.

We want to make sure the Scheme is easy and efficient for you to use. This chapter sets out a series of steps intended to help you apply for, and gain the most from, the Scheme. It also sets out how we propose to process your Scheme application through RPW Online, which you are familiar with.

Data confirmation

A Data Confirmation exercise is open until 6 December 2024. The aim is to allow you to update RPW mapping systems to confirm habitat areas and tree canopy cover at field and farm level in preparation for the Scheme and for reference under the 2025 Habitat Wales Scheme.  We will run a further exercise in 2025 to confirm any additional features required as part of the final Scheme. This is not a declaration of land for any current or future scheme. This will be done through the SAF from 2026.

To find out more about the current data confirmation exercise visit Sustainable Farming Scheme: data confirmation guidance | GOV.WALES

This data confirmation exercise is the first step in developing the Habitat Baseline Review described below.

Habitat Baseline Review

We will need to confirm the features present on your farm each year to be able to make SFS payments. To do this, we are proposing a baseline assessment of the farm called the Level 1 Habitat Baseline Review (HBR1). The HBR1 will confirm the broad habitat types and trees present on your farm. The HBR1 will also identify other important features present on your farm such as historic features, Designated Sites, and their buffers. 

The HBR1 process will initially be informed by the Data Confirmation exercises explained above and will thereafter be part of your SAF to review and update this information annually, where necessary. 

If you choose to progress to the Optional or Collaborative Layers of the Scheme, for example to undertake bespoke habitat enhancement, we are also proposing a more in-depth Level 2 Habitat Baseline Review (HBR2) process, with appropriate guidance, to support for example, targeted habitat enhancement or additional planting of trees on sensitive areas.   

Farm Carbon Assessment    

The Roundtable recognises an increased demand from the farming supply chain and from finance providers to understand your farm’s carbon balance, so providing this mechanism will not just help future proof the farm and provide environmental benefits, but also has benefits from a business perspective. 

We still intend to provide you with the mechanisms to do this. We set out our preferred position in the consultation for a single carbon calculator to be used by all farmers in the SFS. We now need to consider the detail of the Carbon Panel’s review to determine what approach is the best for you to use and gain value from, but also for the industry, to promote a national position on the sustainability of Welsh farming.

We will continue to work with the Roundtable and Officials Groups to develop an appropriate proposal. 

Scheme Guidance

Detailed scheme guidance, which includes the requirements of each Universal Action, a Universal Code and a set of verifiable standards, will be produced before the Scheme starts. This will give you the details of the Actions and evidence required to meet the requirements of the Scheme. 

The Universal Code will provide you with clarity on the regulatory baseline requirements and any scheme requirements not included in individual Universal Actions. 

This is intended to be a single easy to access reference point and will replace the Universal Code for Habitats included in the Consultation. 

We do not intend to create a new Regulatory Baseline as part of developing the SFS because it already exists.

We will continue to work with the Roundtable to define which requirements are appropriate to include within the Universal Code. 

Application

To apply for the SFS Universal Payment, you will have to complete the SAF annually. We propose to maintain the current SAF period, beginning in March and closing on 15 May. 

You may also be required to update RPW and Farming Connect Systems during the year to confirm the completion of Actions which do not need to be completed by the SAF deadline. We are working with the Roundtable to ensure the administration of the Universal Actions is as simple as possible. For example, ensuring we only ask for information where it is essential, focusing on the retention of your information in farm records and where possible, only asking you to confirm that Actions have been completed.

We will provide a dashboard in RPW Online to record your progress with the Actions and to signpost you to further advice and support.

You will need to complete separate applications to apply for Optional or Collaborative Actions, where appropriate, which may operate over longer time frames.

Warnings and penalties

Maintaining compliance with the Scheme eligibility criteria, scheme requirements, regulatory baseline, and all applicable Scheme Actions are a condition of payment. You will also need to accurately declare information such as eligible areas and features.

Where there is non-compliance, or inaccurate declarations, this may lead to guidance to correct minor issues where possible. Reductions, and / or financial penalties will be required for example in the event of repeated or more significant compliance issues. We will continue to work with stakeholders to develop a proportionate and appropriate response. 

Advice and support

We want to support you to enter the Scheme and deliver the Actions as efficiently as possible. We will continue to work with the Roundtable, Officials Working Group and RPW User Group to ensure processes are clear and accessible, with suitable advice and guidance where appropriate. 

We want you to be able to make the most of the Scheme once you have joined, so we will also support you to gain and / or maintain the knowledge and skills you need to help deliver the Universal, Optional and Collaborative Actions. We will continue to provide advice, learning and development support for you and your business, including through face-to-face opportunities on farm, and with other farmers following your feedback to the latest consultation.

The SFS Universal Layer is intended to support the resilience of farm businesses through the completion of Actions associated with a Universal Payment, to be made up of two elements: a Universal Baseline Payment and a Social Value Payment.

Universal Baseline Payment: The foundation for the Universal Baseline Payment will be an estimate of the cost incurred and income forgone for you to undertake the Universal Actions and meet the scheme requirements.  This will be paid against your whole farm, taking account of the improved land, areas of woodland and habitat and any common land grazing rights you have (on an allocation basis similar to BPS).

We recognise that undertaking some of the Universal Actions may lead you to incur additional costs, including your time, though others are expected to lead to direct and indirect savings and other business benefits. You may already be completing many of the Actions and would not need to repeat them. The completion of the Universal Actions may, for some, displace some agricultural activities which could lead to a reduction in income (income forgone). These impacts vary across farms according to their circumstances.  

Social Value Payment: We are still committed to developing a social value as part of the Universal Payment to reflect the benefits you produce for wider society by producing food in a sustainable way. 

This will be in addition to any costs incurred and income foregone.  

We are working with stakeholders to get it right. It is important to develop a fair and proportionate approach which reflects the actions Welsh farmers carry out that contribute to all four of the Sustainable Land Management objectives over time, to benefit the wellbeing of existing and future generations. 

Payment Rates: Analysis of the Scheme Design proposed in this document along with the latest position on the budget will allow us to calculate payment rates. 

We realise how important it is for you to know the payment rates before considering your transition into the Scheme. These will be provided as part of the final Scheme detail in 2025 and will continue to be monitored and updated thereafter.

Earlier this year we announced a Preparatory Phase for 2025 with several schemes and other initiatives to provide advice and support to farmers in advance of the introduction of SFS.

The Schemes include:

1. Continuation of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), on a time limited basis.
2. Habitat Wales Scheme offered in 2025 with all eligible individual farmers able to apply.
3. Habitat Wales Scheme Commons agreements can be extended for 2025.
4. The Organic Support Payment will be maintained for 2025.
5. An extension to Farming Connect to Spring 2026, continuing with knowledge transfer and innovation support.
6. A new Integrated Natural Resources Scheme to support farmer-focussed partnerships delivering nature-based solutions across a landscape, catchment or on a pan-Wales scale.  This will help inform SFS Collaborative Actions.
7. Further Small Grant scheme application windows.

We will use the period before 2026 to ensure the proposed processes are appropriate, so for example we will:

• continue the Animal Health Improvement Cycle pilot (as part of Universal Action 15)
• work with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and farmers to pilot a more efficient mechanism to create Management Plans for SSSI areas (Universal Action 9)
• launch the Farming Connect Key Performance Indicator tool (Universal Action 1) 
• develop the Farming Connect Storfa Sgiliau – the learning record to include all of your learning (Universal Action 2)

In our Consultation we presented proposals for when we intend to introduce the Universal Actions and subsequent Optional and Collaborative Actions. This Transition Period will start 1 January 2026 and end 31 December 2029. 

From 2026, you can choose either SFS or BPS via your SAF. Once you have chosen to participate in SFS you will no longer be able to revert back to BPS, as SFS will be the primary long-term mechanism of support.

We still propose to phase out BPS during the Transition Period through an incremental reduction in value (20% per year) starting in 2026. 

This Scheme Outline is not the final Scheme, and there is still a lot of work to do before final decisions are made. 

We will now undertake new analysis on the impacts of this updated Scheme Outline and continue to work with the Ministerial Roundtable and other stakeholders on further detail. These steps are outlined in the list below. 

We intend to publish final Scheme detail next summer before the SFS commences 1 January 2026.   

• the Scheme outlined in this document will now be used to undertake an updated economic analysis and impact assessment over this winter and next spring to determine impacts on a range of agricultural, environmental and social aspects
• the Ministerial Roundtable and Officials Working Group will continue to review additional detail of the Actions, scheme requirements and administrative processes needed to refine the high-level position included in this document
• Welsh Ministers will make final scheme decisions next summer based on evidence including the economic analysis and impact assessment once it has been considered by the Roundtable
• we will publish the final scheme detail, including payment rates, once Welsh Ministers have made final decisions
• we will introduce secondary legislation next year to ensure agricultural support is established and delivered in accordance with the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023
• we will ensure you have access to the full Scheme information to enable you to decide whether to apply for SFS on SAF 2026.
• we will introduce Optional and Collaborative Actions in phases throughout the Transition Period (2026 – 2029)

Roundtable 

Partners:

• Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
• Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group
• British Meat Processors Association
• British Veterinary Association
• Coed Cadw *
• Country Land and Business Association
• Confor
• DPJ Foundation
• Farmers Union of Wales
• Hybu Cig Cymru
• Independent farmer representative
• National Farmers Union Cymru
• Nature Friendly Farming Network
• Soil Association * 
• Tenant Farmer Association
• Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs
• Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers
• Wildlife Trusts Wales *

* Also representing Wales Environment Link (WEL).

Carbon Panel

Partners:

• Country Land and Business Association
• Confor
• Farmers Union of Wales
• Hybu Cig Cymru
• Independent farmer representative
• National Farmers Union Cymru
• Nature Friendly Farming Network
• Soil Association * 

* Also representing Wales Environment Link (WEL).

Officials Group

Partners:

• Afonydd Cymru
• Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
• Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group
• Central Association for Agricultural Valuers
• Coed Cadw 
• Confor
• Country Land and Business Association
• Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
• Farmers Union of Wales
• Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
• Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
• Hybu Cig Cymru
• Independent veterinary representative
• National Farmers Union Cymru
• National Sheep Association
• National Trust
• Nature Friendly Farming Network
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
• Soil Association   
• Sustainable Food Trust
• Tirweddau Cymru Landscapes Wales
• Tenant Farmer Association
• Wales Environment Link
• Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs
• Wales Horticulture Alliance Group
• Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers
• Welsh Language Commissioner
• Welsh Local Government Association
• Wildlife Trusts Wales 
• World Wild Fund for Nature