Welsh Tories demand final vote on Sustainable Farming Scheme

The Welsh Conservatives have demanded a final, binding vote on Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) prior to its implementation in January 2026.

The motion will be subject to debate in the Senedd on 16 July, with the Tories saying that such a vote would ensure democratic legitimacy and give confidence to the agricultural sector.

The Welsh government launched the final SFS on Tuesday, aiming to secure food production and protect the environment as it replaces the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

See also: Welsh government targets BPS with final SFS description

While the scheme was cautiously welcomed by the industry, the Welsh government has, however, come under fire from unions for cutting the BPS by an unexpected 40% from next year.

“It’s only right that the Welsh Labour government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme is put to a final Senedd vote, to ensure democratic legitimacy, and the confidence or the agricultural sector,” said Welsh Conservative shadow secretary for economy, energy and rural affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS.

Union support

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones added: “The SFS has been proposed as the primary form of farm support for a generation to come.

“As such, it is important there is the opportunity for the Senedd to scrutinise the scheme and to have its say on this once-in-a-generation change.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) also supported the scheme being put to a final vote.

“The Sustainable Farming Scheme marks a generational milestone for Welsh agriculture.

“We therefore welcome this debate and are pleased that once again the floor of the Senedd is being used to scrutinise changes of real importance to Welsh farmers,” said FUW president Ian Rickman.