The changes apply to Farm Assured Welsh Livestock members for the 2026 SFS scheme year
Welsh livestock farmers in the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (FAWL) scheme will avoid duplicating key animal health paperwork under the Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2026.
The Welsh Government has agreed that FAWL membership can be used to meet the Animal Health Improvement Cycle “measure” and “plan” requirements under Universal Action 12.
The change means FAWL members will not have to complete those elements separately for the 2026 scheme year.
Instead, farmers will be able to declare their FAWL membership through the SFS Universal Dashboard, with that declaration accepted as confirmation that the relevant AHIC requirements have been met.
However, the agreement does not remove all UA12 obligations.
FAWL members must still complete the other applicable animal health and welfare requirements, including relevant animal welfare proficiency and scoring requirements and the Incoming Animal Biosecurity Assessment by the end of December.
Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability Llyr Gruffydd said the agreement was intended to cut repeated administration while preserving welfare standards.
“This agreement will reduce duplication for farmers while maintaining the high standards of animal health and welfare we expect under the Sustainable Farming Scheme,” he said.
The Animal Health Improvement Cycle is designed around four stages — measure, plan, act and review — with farmers working alongside their vet to identify areas for improvement and agree actions.
Under the new arrangement, FAWL membership will cover the measure and plan elements for 2026.
The Welsh Government said the agreement also provides a basis for relevant UA12 animal health and welfare requirements to be incorporated into the FAWL Annual Livestock Health and Welfare Review from 2027.
Further details on how those arrangements will work are still being developed.
Farmers who are not members of a recognised farm assurance scheme are unaffected and must continue to follow the published UA12 guidance for 2026.
The Welsh Government is also working with other recognised assurance schemes, including Red Tractor and Pasture for Life, with further arrangements expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.