More details of additional SFS layers revealed

Farmers in Wales looking to boost their income are being encouraged to explore the Optional and Collaborative layers of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) – further details of which were released on Monday (23 March).

These two additional layers of support are designed to complement the Universal layer of the SFS (currently open for applications via the Single Application Form), offering opportunities for more targeted environmental work while helping to strengthen farm resilience.

See also: Key elements of new Welsh farm support scheme incomplete

Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This offer will grow over the coming years, and I encourage all Welsh farmers to look at what support could work for them.”

Key information, including specific payment rates and technical guidance, will only be released ahead of application windows actually opening.

The Welsh government says this phased approach will “allow the Universal actions to bed in”, adding that it intends to prioritise farm businesses “already participating in the SFS Universal layer”. 

Optional layer

However, it has outlined broad areas of support under the forthcoming Optional layer, including efficiency, environment, sustainable production, habitat review, temporary habitat, and woodland management and creation.

It has also indicated that, while some supplementary actions will be limited to farmers already in the Universal layer (for actions that aim to improve livestock productivity and reduce emissions), others will be more widely available.

For example, production and efficiency grants (similar to previous small grants schemes), will be open to all eligible farms regardless of SFS participation, with funding from £500 to £15,000 up for grabs.

This will cover items such as animal-handling systems and soil management equipment.

Environmental capital funding will range from £500 to £20,000 for works including drainage, tree planting and pond restoration, and will be also available outside the Universal layer.

And larger infrastructure investments will be entitled to payments of between £12,000 and £50,000 to improve nutrient management, reduce pollution and enhance biosecurity.

Collaborative layer

From 2026, Collaborative support will cover innovation, research and development, supply chains, and landscape-scale projects.

Payments may include one-off, multi-year or capital funding, provided activities do not duplicate existing actions.

Support may also include advice and guidance, with projects led by the Welsh government or third-party facilitators.

While eligibility and payment details remain unclear, participation in other SFS layers will not be required.

Reaction

Farmers’ Union of Wales president Ian Rickman criticised the timing of the announcement covering the two additional layers of support, and the ongoing vagueness.

“The publication continues to lack the technical detail and clarity on payment rates that farmers need if they are to consider these optional actions at this time,” he said.

“As it stands, individuals are being asked to make significant decisions about entering the Sustainable Farming Scheme without access to the full information required to do so with confidence.”