Controversial post-Brexit farm subsidy scheme 'landmark moment for Wales'

"Steffan MessengerWales environment correspondent BBC Wales' controversial post-Brexit subsidy scheme for farmers has come in, almost a decade after the vote to leave the EU. It will provide payments with a greener focus and see farms agree to a checklist of requirements. Farms have to actively manage at least 10% of their land as habitat to join, and while some have land that qualifies, many dairy farmers say they don't."

"Farming union NFU Cymru warned the protest-hit scheme still needed work, but after an "enormous rollercoaster" ride it was now "acceptable to the industry". Getty Rural affairs secretary Huw Irranca-Davies called it "a landmark moment for Wales" and said an early test would be how many farmers sign up. New Year 2026 is "really significant" for Welsh agriculture, said Abi Reader, NFU Cymru's deputy president, who owns a dairy farm in Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan."

Wales has launched a post-Brexit Sustainable Farming Scheme that redirects subsidy payments toward environmental outcomes. Entry requires farms to actively manage at least 10% of their land as habitat and to commit to 12 universal actions in exchange for an entry-level payment. Universal actions include maintaining hedgerows, reducing pesticide use and attending online sustainable farming courses. Additional funding will be available for more ambitious environmental projects and for collaborative work between farms. Earlier versions of the plan prompted protests and were labelled unworkable by unions; final details were negotiated and unveiled this summer. Uptake by farmers around New Year 2026 will test the scheme's success.

Read at www.bbc.com