Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the rollout timeline and application windows for the Optional and Collaborative layers of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, and outline how the government will ensure these upper tiers actively reward the highest levels of environmental ambition?
Relevant interest declared
I am a partner in a family farming business.
I have recently announced the roll out of the Sustainable Farming Scheme Optional Actions, the first optional categories will be available for applications in July, with further optional actions becoming available through 2026 and into 2027. The timetable is published on our website.
I have also announced that the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme will open later in the year, a key element feeding into the Collaborative Layer.
The Optional and Collaborative Layers provide opportunities for farmers to receive additional payments to undertake further activity, over and above that supported through the Universal Layer.
Priority will be given to actions where they deliver the greatest environmental outcomes.