Welsh farmers who belong to three recognised farm assurance schemes will be able to use their membership to meet part of the animal health requirements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) from 2026. The Welsh government confirmed agreements with Red Tractor and Pasture for Life on 9 October, after a similar deal last month with Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers, which runs Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (FAWL).
Eligible members can declare their membership on the SFS Universal Dashboard as evidence for the "Measure" and "Plan" steps of the Animal Health Improvement Cycle under Universal Action 12. They must still complete the rest of UA12, including animal welfare measures and the Biosecurity Assessment for Incoming Stock. Farmers outside these schemes must follow the existing guidance and finish the requirements by the end of December.
The agreements follow a review of the bureaucratic burden on family farms and will shape longer-term arrangements from 2027. The government said the aim was "to reduce duplication and administrative burden for farmers and veterinary professionals" while keeping the animal health and welfare outcomes UA12 is meant to deliver.
Elin Jenkins, policy officer at the Farmers' Union of Wales, which had raised concerns about the extra paperwork and vet costs, welcomed the move and said the union wants a simpler system for 2027 with vet costs proportionate to the work. NFU Cymru said the deal removes duplication between SFS and farm assurance. Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin welcomed the recognition and said details would follow.
The Welsh government said talks remain open with other recognised assurance schemes that want to take part.
Photo: Ian S / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Source: Farmers Weekly
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