What baseline information on carbon sequestration is used by the Welsh Government to influence its decision making on the Sustainable Farming Scheme, and if no data is available, what parameters does the Welsh Government use to measure success within the Sustainable Farming Scheme?
Although we do not hold data on the amount of carbon sequestered by agriculture land in Wales, we use a wide range of sources to assess carbon emissions from agricultural activity ensuring we take an evidence-based approach to developing the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). This includes making use of the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which models carbon sequestration for Wales. We also commissioned our Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring & Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) to provide us with evidence on a range of agricultural and environmental topics
We also have the Integrated Modelling Platform (IMP), jointly designed with ERAMMP. The IMP includes a chain of specialised, state-of-the-art models customised with Welsh data (where suitable and available). One of the ways we are using the IMP is to inform the development of the SFS through its integrated assessments of the potential impacts of the scheme on agriculture and the environment.
As I have stated, a final decision on the scheme will not be taken until the modelling of both the economic and environmental impacts of the proposed SFS have been undertaken. This is to ensure the SFS delivers for our farmers and on our commitment to respond to the climate and nature emergencies.