Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) — Wales

Description

Wales' primary farm support scheme, replacing the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) as the main source of Welsh farm funding, which launched on 1 January 2026. Structured in three layers: the Universal Layer (mandatory for participants, 12 actions covering soil health, pest management, hedgerow/woodland management, animal health and welfare, and more — intended to fund at the same overall level as BPS for 2026) is the layer currently live; the voluntary Optional Layer (14 themed groups of targeted actions) and Collaborative Layer (landscape-scale coordinated action) are being phased in later in 2026 and into 2027, with their detailed payment rates published alongside each layer's application process. BPS itself continues on a tapering basis through 2029 for anyone not yet fully transitioned onto SFS, and SFS eligibility does not depend on retaining BPS entitlements.

Eligibility summary

• Available in: Wales.
• Applicant must be a registered business.
• Most relevant to: Agriculture & Fisheries.

Notes

Apply via the annual Single Application Form (SAF) through Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online — the 2026 SAF window ran 2 March to 15 May 2026, so it has closed for this year; check RPW Online for the next window. Optional Layer actions began opening for application on a rolling, action-by-action basis from summer 2026 (after the SAF window closed), with the Collaborative Layer still to follow — check the Optional and Collaborative Layers overview page on gov.wales for which actions are currently open.

Requirement

Active farmer in Wales with at least 3 hectares of eligible agricultural land, or demonstrating 550+ standard labour hours annually; must have exclusive occupation/management of the land for at least 10 months of the year and be able to meet the applicable Universal Actions (some are exempted where not relevant, e.g. livestock welfare actions for arable-only farms). Tenant farmers are accommodated with scheme variations.