Welsh Dairy Industry Faces Crisis Over Sustainable Farming Scheme
Source: The DairyNews
The Welsh government's proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is causing alarm in the dairy sector, with warnings of a significant threat to the supply chain. According to research commissioned by the Welsh government, if the current format of the SFS is implemented, Welsh dairy farmers could see a reduction of 368 million litres of milk production.
NFU Cymru has raised concerns, emphasizing the need to modify the proposals to protect the production of high-quality, nutritious, and environmentally friendly milk in Wales. The dairy industry contributes nearly £850 million to the Welsh economy, representing 47% of the total output of agricultural production and employing over 5,300 people directly on dairy farms.
As part of post-Brexit plans, the Basic Payment Scheme is set to be phased out by 2029, replaced by the SFS starting in 2025. The SFS requires farmers to achieve specific Universal Actions and scheme rules, including maintaining 10% tree cover and managing 10% of the farm as habitat. The Welsh government proposes a time-limited stability payment, diminishing to zero by 2030.
Research indicates that, if implemented, the SFS could lead to a reduction of 368 million litres of milk and over 45,000 fewer dairy cows in Wales. NFU Cymru's dairy board chairman, Jonathan Wilkinson, expressed concerns about the impact on livelihoods and overall productivity. Protests, including tractor demonstrations and events, have taken place across Wales, with farmers urging the government to reconsider the proposals.
In response to the crisis, NFU Cymru plans to stage a symbolic protest at the Welsh parliament, placing 5,500 farm wellies on the steps to represent the projected loss of 5,500 agricultural jobs if the SFS is fully implemented. Wilkinson urged the government to listen to the industry's concerns and modify the proposals to secure the future of milk production in Wales.
As part of post-Brexit plans, the Basic Payment Scheme is set to be phased out by 2029, replaced by the SFS starting in 2025. The SFS requires farmers to achieve specific Universal Actions and scheme rules, including maintaining 10% tree cover and managing 10% of the farm as habitat. The Welsh government proposes a time-limited stability payment, diminishing to zero by 2030.
Research indicates that, if implemented, the SFS could lead to a reduction of 368 million litres of milk and over 45,000 fewer dairy cows in Wales. NFU Cymru's dairy board chairman, Jonathan Wilkinson, expressed concerns about the impact on livelihoods and overall productivity. Protests, including tractor demonstrations and events, have taken place across Wales, with farmers urging the government to reconsider the proposals.
In response to the crisis, NFU Cymru plans to stage a symbolic protest at the Welsh parliament, placing 5,500 farm wellies on the steps to represent the projected loss of 5,500 agricultural jobs if the SFS is fully implemented. Wilkinson urged the government to listen to the industry's concerns and modify the proposals to secure the future of milk production in Wales.
