Concern raised over Welsh Government farming plans

More than 100 farmers attended a Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) meeting in Newtown this week as discussions intensify over the introduction of the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

The event, held at the Elephant and Castle Hotel, was part of a series of roadshows organised by the FUW across Wales to help farmers understand the major changes set to take effect from 1 January 2026. The SFS will replace the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), marking one of the biggest shifts in Welsh agricultural policy in decades.

During the meeting, members of the FUW Policy Team and local County Officers explained how the new payment structure is expected to work, the eligibility requirements, and the gradual reduction of BPS support. Farmers were also given information about the help available from the union, including advice on paperwork and business planning during the transition.

FUW Montgomeryshire County Executive Officer, Emyr Wyn Davies, said the turnout showed how concerned and engaged the local farming community is about the upcoming changes.

“We were delighted to see such a strong turnout in Newtown,” he said. “The level of engagement and the number of questions we received show how important it is that farmers are fully informed and supported through this period of change.”

FUW President Ian Rickman said the events aim to ensure farmers have the information they need before deciding whether to enter the new scheme or remain on a tapering version of the BPS.

“The Sustainable Farming Scheme represents a major shift for our industry, and it’s understandable that many farmers have questions about the future,” he said. “Our local teams and policy experts are on hand to guide farmers through the details and make sure no one faces these changes alone.”

The FUW is hosting 11 public meetings across Wales over the coming weeks as part of its SFS information campaign.