SFS Inaugral Ministerial Roundtable with CLA Cymru
This week CLA Cymru Director Victoria Bond attended the inaugral SFS Ministerial Roundtable with the Welsh Government Rural Affairs Minister Huw Irranca-Davies
The SFS Roundtable
This week, Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales' Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) Ministerial Roundtable. CLA Cymru, representing our members, is actively participating in these discussions, helping shape the future of sustainable farming in Wales.
The SFS Ministerial Roundtable brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, farming unions, and environmental groups, to review and refine the proposed and controversial SFS. This collaboration aims to ensure the scheme addresses the needs of Welsh farmers while promoting environmental sustainability. The roundtable will play a pivotal role in shaping the final design of the SFS, taking into account recent consultation feedback and ongoing stakeholder engagement
Delayed Rollout for Thorough Preparation
The rollout of the SFS, initially planned for 2025, has been postponed to 2026. This delay is crucial for allowing more time to refine the scheme based on extensive consultation and feedback from the farming community. The Welsh Government is committed to meaningful engagement with all stakeholders to develop a robust and effective support scheme.
"We must continue to work in partnership to finalise a scheme that works long-term. This is the next step in making that happen".
Key Focus Areas
During the roundtable, key topics such as carbon sequestration and the overall impact of the SFS on the rural economy were discussed. The aim is to ensure that the SFS supports Welsh farmers in producing high-quality food while also safeguarding the environment. This balanced approach is essential for achieving long-term sustainability and economic viability in the agricultural sector.
Commitment to Sustainability
The Welsh Government's commitment to sustainable farming remains steadfast, with ongoing support through existing schemes and new initiatives aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure. As the SFS continues to evolve, the government will work closely with the agricultural sector to address any concerns and ensure a smooth transition to more sustainable practices.
CLA Cymru
We encourage our members to stay informed about the progress of the SFS and participate in future consultations. Your input has been invaluable in shaping the progress so far and we will continue to advocate Member issues to Policy Makers as part of this process.
"We are committed to ensuring that the voices of our members are heard in these critical discussions. The Sustainable Farming Scheme has the potential to set a new standard for agricultural practices in Wales, and we are dedicated to contributing to a scheme that is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable."
For more information and to get involved, please contact CLA Cymru at wales@cla.org.uk or visit our website.
