Wildlife Trusts Wales Warns Sustainable Farming Scheme 'Falls Short for Nature'
It says it welcomes the move towards a whole-farm approach with the goal of making Welsh farming more sustainable. However, the details released only cover the Universal Tier, which appears to maintain the status quo, it said. It falls short of addressing the pressing nature and climate challenges, the organisation said.
Wildlife Trusts Wales said that Welsh farming was currently unsustainable both economically and environmentally. Over the past decade, the number of farms has decreased, resulting in 9,000 job losses, it said, adding that farming continues to be the primary driver of biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions in Wales.
The SFS should be a vehicle for change, it said, enabling sustainable food production and transitioning to sustainable land management. Financial support and recognition through the Social Value Payments for carbon storage, air quality, and recreation access are a step in the right direction, it added.
The organisation welcomed the tapering of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), which it said had offered poor value for money. These tapered funds will now go to the proposed Options and Collaborative tiers and they have the potential to support nature friendly farming, but details of these tiers are still lacking, it added.
The organisation said:
'We commend the Welsh Government for its transparency and commitment to engaging all stakeholders throughout the SFS review process, including the Roundtable and other forums over the past year.'
Rachel Sharp, Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales, said:
'While we welcome elements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, we remain deeply concerned that the final version will not adequately address the climate and nature crises. Welsh farming is in crisis—fewer farms, fewer jobs, and increasing environmental damage. We need to see an increased budget for the SFS, specifically for the Options and Collaborative tiers, to help farmers transition to nature-friendly farming practices. Only farmers can restore nature and reduce the devastating impacts of climate change, including flooding and droughts.'
Wildlife Trusts Wales is calling on the Welsh Government to ensure that the Options and Collaborative tiers of the SFS create a step forward for sustainable farming, and a meaningful shift toward nature recovery and climate resilience. A stronger, more comprehensive scheme will protect Wales' nature and ensure a viable future for farmers, it said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business News Wales
3 hours ago
- Business News Wales
New HCC Scholar Seeks Practical Sustainability Solutions for Farmers in Wales
Ben Lloyd James, HCC Scholar 2025 A new entrant into the farming sector and agricultural consultant from Ceredigion has been announced as Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) Scholar for 2025. Ben Lloyd James from Abermeurig, Lampeter has been awarded the Scholarship to investigate practical solutions for reducing GHG emissions in pasture-based livestock systems in Wales. He said: 'The Welsh red meat sector is under increasing pressure to prove its environmental credentials. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane, are central to the conversation — and how we respond will define the future of our industry. It's a topic that matters now more than ever and if we get it right, we don't just protect our sector — we position it as part of the climate solution. That starts with learning from those who are already a few steps ahead — and bringing those lessons home in ways that make sense on the ground. That's why I've chosen this topic and why now is exactly the right time to explore it.' As someone actively working within the Welsh livestock industry, Ben sees both a challenge and opportunity for the red meat sector. He said: 'Through my work, I experience first-hand the pride and pressure felt by red meat producers when it comes to environmental performance. This has led me to develop a strong interest in helping farmers strike the right balance between productivity and sustainability.' He intends to focus his study on farming systems in Ireland, the Netherlands and Switzerland, and plans to attend the European Grassland Federation Symposium in Reading for further insight into sustainable grassland management practices. 'The scholarship will allow me to learn from countries that are ahead in integrating low-emission strategies into real farming systems, which is why I chose to focus on Europe. Countries in Europe offer diverse but relatable farming systems, strong policy frameworks and practical examples of how red meat production can align with climate and sustainability goals, whilst wrestling with challenges that are similar to the ones we face here in Wales. 'I want to contribute to a sustainable future that nurtures both the land and the next generation and help shape an industry that's proud of its past, ambitious for its future, and equipped to make sustainability real and practical at farm level.' James Powell, HCC Scholarship Association Vice Chair with Ben Lloyd James at the Royal Welsh Show HCC's Industry Development Executive James Ruggeri said: 'We are delighted to announce Ben as the recipient of the HCC Scholarship this year. He has practical on-farm experience, and his consultancy work means that he is already actively supporting farmers with the very challenges that he hopes to delve deeper into with his scholarship study. He is keen to bring back proven, practical tools that producers in Wales can use, and will share them with the farmers and businesses that he works with every day. 'His background, long-term industry commitment and passion makes him a perfect candidate for our Scholarship, and we are excited to hear about his experiences and findings during the course of the year.' HCC has been offering the annual scholarship for more than 20 years to applicants who are employed on a full-time basis within the Welsh red meat industry. The Scholarship allows them to study an aspect of production or processing in a country of their choice with recent examples looking at topics such as breeding sheep for better resistance to worms, the reputation of the suckler cow, techno grazing and conservation management.
Business News Wales
3 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Croeso Pubs Adds The Cricketers to its Pub Portfolio
(LtR) Croeso Pubs' Executive Chef Jamie Newman, Area Manager Nick Newman and Area Director Michael Haygarth Cardiff-based pub chain Croeso Pubs Ltd is taking over the lease of The Cricketers in Pontcanna. The acquisition of The Cricketers means that Croeso Pubs now runs nine venues in and around Cardiff, Penarth and Mermaid Quay. It runs two community pubs, The Bear's Head in Penarth and The Discovery in Lakeside. Croeso also runs city centre venues The Philharmonic, Brewhouse, Blue Bell, Retro, and gastro pub Daffodil, as well as The Dock in Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. The Cricketers was run by the previous owners since 2010, but now the lease has been sold to Croeso Pubs, who will reopen it in a few weeks after carrying out £250,000 worth of improvements. The pub will show selected live sport from Sky and TNT Sports, and will offer a new range of draught beers and traditional Welsh cask ales. The new menu will feature daily specials. Croeso Pubs area director, Michael Haygarth, said: 'We are thrilled to be adding The Cricketers to our ever-increasing list of venues. It is a pub that is synonymous with the west of Cardiff and attracts tourists, walkers and locals alike and so we want to offer something for everyone. 'It is a great location in a stunning Edwardian townhouse just a stone's throw away from Llandaff Fields and Sophia Gardens and we can't wait to welcome clients, old and new, to try out our special Croeso atmosphere when they visit.' Jamie Newman, Executive Chef at Croeso Pubs, has been working with the team on the menu for the new-look Cricketers. He said: 'This pub is well known for its hearty meals and its warm welcome and we plan to build on that with our new menu. At Croeso Pubs, we celebrate all things Welsh with our produce and dishes, and so have been working hard with our suppliers such as the Rib & Oyster from Kilgetty and Sullivan's green grocers in Cardiff, to create dishes that reflect the venue and appeal to our customers at a reasonable price.' Croeso Pubs will be recruiting for new staff at the venue, but are also retaining 12 staff. In 2017 the chain took over the lease for The Philharmonic following a £1 million refurbishment. It also took over former Brains' pub 33 Windsor Place in December 2022 and reopened it as the Daffodil, and in 2021, it refurbished the former Goat Major pub on High Street, opposite Cardiff Castle, and reinstated it to its original name Blue Bell, further extending it in 2024.
STV News
3 hours ago
- STV News
Jobs at Strathmore bottled water saved after takeover
Bottled water firm Strathmore, part of the company behind Irn Bru, has been saved from closure after it was bought by a Welsh firm. The takeover by Ty Nant has saved all 23 jobs at the company, as they promised to invest in the Forfar factory's long-term future. The firm was bought by Irn Bru maker AG Barr in 2006, but earlier this year it was announced it was axing Strathmore Water as the brand was 'no longer sustainable'. The news came after the Cumbernauld-based drinks group – whose brands also include Rubicon, Boost and Funkin – reported a 15.8% increase in adjusted profit before tax to £58.5m. Councillor Linda Clark, Angus Council, responding to the takeover, said: 'I think it's wonderful news. 'It's so good that someone has come along with confidence now because that's a good brand, a local brand, a special product. 'That's 23 souls saved. I want to see people here, there are a lot of people who start here as a young loon or a quine and they get their training and also sorts of things. 'I've never heard a bad word so this is really good news.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
