Farm assurance farmers spared duplicate SFS health paperwork

Farmers whose farm assurance schemes opt to join Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) arrangements will not have to complete separate animal health improvement cycle (Ahic) measure and plan requirements for 2026.

Instead, their existing farm assurance animal health and welfare plans will meet those elements of Universal Action 12 (UA12), avoiding duplicate paperwork ahead of integration with accredited assurance schemes from 2027.

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The newly issued guidance also confirms that farmers who have already completed the “measure and plan” elements of the Ahic can use that work, including priorities agreed with their vet, to support their farm assurance health and welfare plans from 2027.

Those who have already incurred costs, but would have met the revised requirements without doing so can contact Rural Payments Wales (RPW) to determine whether they are eligible for compensation, with claims assessed individually.

The changes apply only to accredited farm assurance schemes that formally sign up to the new arrangements.

Meeting requirements

Farmers who are not members of a recognised farm assurance scheme will be unaffected and must continue to meet all existing UA12 requirements.

Likewise, farmers who have obtained a Veterinary Attestation Number (VAN) but are not members of a recognised assurance scheme must still complete all elements of UA12 if they have joined the SFS.

A VAN will not be recognised as meeting Ahic or other scheme requirements.

All SFS participants must still complete the biosecurity assessment for incoming stock (Bais) in 2026.

However, from 2027 the Welsh government intends to recognise this requirement where participating assurance schemes incorporate both the Bais and Ahic into their health and welfare plans.

Identifying priorities

The Ahic is designed to help farmers and vets identify livestock health priorities, agree targeted actions and improve animal health, welfare and productivity.

While the delivery process will change for participating assurance scheme members, the Welsh government says the requirements remain unchanged and veterinary expertise will continue to be central.

The move is part of the Welsh government’s efforts to reduce duplication and administrative burdens for farmers and veterinary professionals, following recommendations from its review into bureaucracy on family farms.

Developing arrangements

Asked which farm assurance schemes had already opted in, a Welsh government spokesman said discussions were continuing.

“We will provide further updates and confirm the schemes involved once the necessary arrangements have been agreed and participating schemes have confirmed their intention to integrate elements of UA12 into their animal health and welfare plans from 2027.”