Wales has reintroduced financial assistance for farmers aiming to transition to organic farming, with the launch of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) application window. This support, which was absent since 2022, covers the essential two-year organic conversion period, where farmers must adapt their practices while awaiting organic certification.
The SFS offers a range of payment options, depending on the type of farming enterprise. Additionally, farmers can claim up to £500 annually to cover certification costs during this conversion phase. This move follows a successful campaign by the Welsh Organic Forum, which resulted in the reinstatement of payments for farmers already managing land organically in 2024.
The Welsh Government’s broader SFS includes actions aimed at habitat restoration, with future plans for a Collaborative Layer to support farmers collaborating on large-scale landscape and community food projects. The scheme will eventually replace the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) by 2028, introducing a stronger focus on sustainable farming practices.
Applications for the organic conversion support close on 12 September, with further details about the SFS Universal Layer available through an online payment calculator.