FAWL farmers spared duplicate health plans under SFS

Farmers in the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock scheme will not need to complete separate “measure” and “plan” requirements for the Animal Health Improvement Cycle under the 2026 Sustainable Farming Scheme. The Welsh Government announced the agreement with Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers on Sunday 27 September. FAWL members will be able to declare their membership on the SFS Universal Dashboard as confirmation that those requirements have been met.

What farmers must still do

The agreement does not remove all of Universal Action 12, the scheme’s animal health and welfare action. Farmers must still complete the other applicable requirements, including relevant animal welfare proficiency and scoring tasks and the Incoming Animal Biosecurity Assessment, by the end of December. The practical change is less duplicated planning. It is not a blanket exemption from animal welfare or biosecurity requirements.

What happens in 2027

The agreement provides the basis for integrating relevant requirements into the FAWL Annual Livestock Health and Welfare Review from 2027. The government says further details will follow as those arrangements are developed. It is also working with other assurance schemes, including Red Tractor and Pasture for Life. Their arrangements have not been confirmed in this announcement.

If you are not a member

Farmers outside a recognised assurance scheme are unaffected by this announcement. They should continue to follow the published Universal Action 12 guidance and complete their requirements by the end of December.