NFFN Cymru welcomes the publication of the draft proposal for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) which it says is a step in the right direction towards sustainable production of food, biodiversity recovery and strengthened rural communities. Members of the NFFN Cymru steering group will continue to be involved in the co-design process of the SFS through multiple stakeholder engagement groups.

Comments from NFFN Cymru in response to the government’s proposals for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)

"It’s great to hear that under the new scheme at least 10% of all farmland should be well-managed for nature, and it has the potential to make a real change for biodiversity across Wales. With the right financial support and advice, adopting nature-friendly practices will be more feasible for farms, and it’s good to see the Welsh Government recognise that nature-friendly farming can lower costs to make farms more profitable.  I have first-hand experience of this having moved away from an intensive farming system to a regenerative one." - Hywel Morgan, NFFN Cymru Chair

"As farmers, it’s a privilege to be able to produce food – and even more so when we can help restore the environment and support rural economies and communities in the process. These proposals look positive, but the devil will be in the detail. There are still uncertainties about future budgets and payment rates. We look forward to engaging with the Welsh Government and other stakeholders on this vitally important scheme." - Rhys Evans, NFFN Cymru Manager