Fawl membership to count towards SFS animal health rules

Farmers enrolled in the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (Fawl) scheme will not need to fulfil separate animal health improvement cycle (Ahic) “measure” and “plan” requirements for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

The Welsh government has agreed arrangements with Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers (WLBP) allowing Fawl membership to count as evidence that relevant Ahic requirements have been met.

See also: Farm assurance farmers spared duplicate SFS health paperwork

The move follows an announcement at the Royal Welsh Show in July that farmers in participating assurance schemes would be able to avoid duplicating parts of universal action 12 (UA12).

Farming unions broadly welcomed the approach, although the British Veterinary Association warned at the time against treating farm assurance as fully equivalent to UA12.

Cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability Llyr Gruffydd said the agreement would reduce duplication while maintaining animal health and welfare standards under the SFS.

“It also supports the valuable relationship between farmers and their vets, helping farmers to plan effectively for the health and welfare of their livestock and their businesses,” he said.

Remaining requirements

Fawl members must still complete other applicable UA12 requirements, including animal welfare proficiency and scoring measures, as well as the incoming animal biosecurity assessment by the end of December.

When updating their SFS universal dashboard, farmers will be able to declare their Fawl membership, which will be accepted as confirmation that the relevant Ahic elements have been completed for 2026.

The agreement also lays the groundwork for relevant UA12 animal health and welfare requirements to be incorporated into Fawl’s annual livestock health and welfare review from 2027.

Further details are expected as those arrangements are developed.

Further arrangements

The Welsh government is also working with other recognised assurance schemes, including Red Tractor and Pasture for Life, and expects to confirm further arrangements in the coming weeks.

Farmers who are not members of a recognised assurance scheme must continue to follow the published UA12 guidance and complete the relevant requirements by the end of December.