“However, we are concerned by the lack of detail that has been published about the Optional and Collaborative layers. If we are serious about tackling nature’s decline in Wales, these layers must be ambitious and properly funded. Supporting existing good practice in the sector is just as important as helping farmers transition to nature-friendly ways of working.
“Many nature-friendly farmers are already doing more than is required by the Universal layer and will need the Optional and Collaborative layers to support their trailblazing work. Otherwise, there is a real danger the SFS will give farmers who are already doing the most for nature, the least reward.”
Payment rates need to be high enough to ensure farmers join the SFS, so it is concerning that some SFS habitat payment rates are considerably lower than those in older agri-environment schemes. Ensuring farmers are adequately rewarded through the other layers of the scheme and beginning to roll these out quickly would help to allay nature-friendly farmers’ concerns.
NFFN Cymru vice-chair Tony Davies, who farms in the Elan Valley, said: “I’m pleased that habitat payments under the SFS Universal layer won't be subject to the same severe capping structure we saw under the interim Habitat Wales Scheme. As someone with a significant amount of diverse habitats on my farm, that’s important for me. The maintenance payments for existing woodlands are also a positive step that will help secure their long-term protection. I now encourage the Welsh Government to push ahead with the Optional and Collaborative layers to support nature-friendly farming further.”
Rhys added: “Nature-friendly farming can produce high-quality food, tackle the climate and nature crises, lessen the impact of flooding, boost wellbeing by providing access to nature-rich spaces and safeguard the future of Wales’ rural communities and Welsh language strongholds. With the impact of climate change really being felt on Wales’ farms, the time to act is now
