Sustainable Farming Scheme divisions laid bare in Senedd debate
One day after the Welsh Government published its revised Sustainable Farming...
View DetailsThe Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee of the Senedd has launched a consultation on the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill as part of its Stage 1 scrutiny. The Bill was introduced by the Welsh Government on 2 June. The Committee has helpfully set out the key purposes of the Bill, which is intended to:
Launching the Bill in the Senedd the Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said the Bill would ‘play a crucial role’ in safeguarding Wales’s natural environment.
However, concerns have been raised as to how the Bill might interact with the forthcoming Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, Sam Kurtz MS, sought assurances from the Minister that “any new measures are both fair and workable for Welsh farmers”. He went on to say that “there is a risk that it could serve as a back door to Sustainable Farming Scheme style (SFS) obligations, even for those who choose not to take part in the SFS. While the SFS is voluntary, this Bill introduces legally binding biodiversity targets. The key question is will these targets apply to all land managers regardless of whether they’re part of the SFS." The Minister acknowledged that these targets will be binding.
The Countryside Alliance is looking closely at the Bill and will be responding to the consultation which closes on 30 July 2025 and can be found here. The Senedd has also produced a useful summary brief of the Bill here.
One day after the Welsh Government published its revised Sustainable Farming...
View DetailsThe Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee of the Senedd has...
View DetailsOn Thursday 26 June 2025, the Wales and Border Counties Hound Show will once...
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