How is the Welsh Government working to discourage a reliance on intensive farming techniques and promote farming practices that prioritise the welfare of livestock?
We want all animals in Wales to have a good quality of life, and our priorities are set out in the Animal Welfare Plan for Wales 2021–2026. Our aim is for Wales to be recognised for high animal welfare standards, and the Plan outlines how we will deliver reforms for farmed, companion and other kept animals.
The Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) promotes farming practices that reduce dependency on intensive production by requiring all participating farms to complete the 12 Universal Actions, which together support sustainable land management and improved animal welfare.
The Scheme also requires farmers to undertake the Animal Health Improvement Cycle, body condition scoring training, and a biosecurity assessment, as part of its animal health and welfare requirements (UA12), enabling preventative and planned health management across their livestock in collaboration with their vet.