THE Welsh Government has published a new ‘Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)’ document alongside the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) 2026: Scheme description.
This guide provides Welsh growers in Wales with an overview of scheme requirements and answers technical questions they may have.
Pembrokeshire and the Gower peninsula are known for producing early and premium potato crops, with large-scale commercial operations like Puffin Produce based in Pembrokeshire. The Seed Potato Classification Scheme operates in Wales to ensure quality standards for growers.
The Government has confirmed that operational requirements and technical notes will follow later this year, ahead of the scheme launch on January 1st, 2026.
Many growers are unsure whether it’s financially better to remain with the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) for as long as possible, or to join the SFS straight away, according to Compliance and Health & Safety Specialist, CXCS.
From 2026, BPS payments will taper each year until they are completely phased out in 2029: 2026: 60% of 2025 value; 2027: 40% of 2025 value; 2028: 20% of 2025 value; 2029: No BPS claims.
The organisation has stressed that SFS is the future of grower support in Wales, but says the best time to switch will depend on individual businesses.
“The scheme year runs from January 1st to December 31st. This means that if you intend to claim under the SFS, you must be meeting Universal Action requirements (including habitat and woodland maintenance) from January 1st 2026,” the company states, reminding growers that they have until May 15th to decide whether to submit a claim for SFS or BPS.
Welsh growers can estimate their indicative SFS Universal Payment or BPS taper using the Welsh Government’s Ready Reckoner tool. It uses your 2025 SAF summary and SFS Data Confirmation form to give an estimate of your 2026 payment.
While the SFS data confirmation form was only available until October 31st, there will be another opportunity to do this via the SAF form in 2026.
