At the 2024 Royal Welsh Winter Fair, the Welsh Conservatives announced their proposed Welsh Farming and Countryside Scheme (WFCS) following an extensive consultation process. This initiative, led by Shadow Rural Affairs Minister James Evans MS, is designed to be an alternative to the current Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). It promises to address the specific challenges faced by Welsh farmers and the environment.
James Evans MS emphasised the importance of the WFCS, on the first day of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in his home constituency, on promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental protection across Wales:
"The Welsh Farming and Countryside Scheme is designed to support our farmers while ensuring we look after our natural environment," he explained. "We believe that working together, with input from those directly involved in the agricultural industry, we have created a more effective and practical scheme."
The consultation gathered feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including active farmers, rural communities, conservation charities, and the public. The Welsh Conservatives used this comprehensive feedback to refine and optimise the WFCS, ensuring it meets the needs of both the agricultural sector and environmental goals. It will be included in the Welsh Conservative Manifesto ahead of the Senedd Elections in 2026.
James Evans MS outlined several key areas the proposed scheme will focus on:
- 70% Baseline Payment.
- Actions not relating to food production are paid for by the climate change budget.
- Support for all farmers.
- Food security and traceability is a priority.
- Letting farmers have more say over the scheme that they opt into.
James Evans MS also said:
"The farming community is under immense pressure at the moment and while Labour has two Government’s on either side of the M4 actively working to destroy family farms, we are committed to working alongside the farming community to develop a practical and forward-thinking scheme," Evans added. "The WFCS isn't just about meeting environmental targets, it's about securing the future of Welsh farming, protecting our rural heritage, and supporting our local economies. following engagement from the industry we believe the scheme offers a viable alternative to Labour’s deeply unpopular Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). if the scheme does not work for our active farmers, it does not work for anyone.”
Even though the consultation is over, the Welsh Conservatives will continue to engage with experts and community members to ensure the final version of the WFCS is robust and effective. The party remains committed to championing the interests of Welsh farmers across the country.
