Farmers debate Welsh Sustainable Farming Scheme tree planting targets

Government proposals to plant more trees on Welsh farms must be realistic and safeguard food production to allow farmers to continue to feed the nation, says NFU Cymru.

The Welsh government has set ambitious targets to plant 43,000ha of new woodland by 2030, with 180,000ha by 2050. 

Farmers will be asked to play a significant role to help the government achieve these targets – and ministers have unveiled plans in the future Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) to ensure all farms in Wales have a minimum of 10% of tree cover.

See also: New Welsh farm support scheme majors on tree planting

It is one of the universal actions for which Welsh farmers will receive a baseline payment under the SFS.

Welsh farmers debated the impact of growing more trees in the context of multiple and increasing pressures on land use in Wales during a session hosted by NFU Cymru on Tuesday 19 July.

The event explored the themes in the union’s Growing Together strategy and campaign, launched last year, which shows the importance of the “right tree in the right place”, rather than a blanket approach.

The strategy also highlights the positive role Welsh farming already plays in harnessing a critical carbon resource in soils, grassland, hedgerows, woodlands and semi-natural habitats, with the potential to do more. 

Welsh way

Kath Whitrow, NFU Cymru’s Less Favoured Areas board chairwoman, said farmers were “all ready to play their part” and were ambitious in their goals for achieving net zero targets and producing “the most climate-friendly food in the world, in the Welsh way”.

But she added: “We believe the transition to net zero and targets for tree planting must be progressed in ways that are sustainable and fair for farmers.

“We want to see more trees integrated into the farming system, rather than the loss of whole farms and blanket forestation, so that multiple benefits – economic, social, environmental, and cultural benefits provided by farming are safeguarded.”

The need for flexibility around the 10% target was also highlighted. Many farms will already reach or exceed this 10% threshold. For others, however, such as farmers who do not own the land that they farm, common land right holders or those whose ability to plant trees is hindered due to their location – committing to the delivery of 10% tree cover may not be possible.

MS opposition views

Samuel Kurtz, the Welsh Conservative MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, gave the Welsh government 7/10 for its proposals for the SFS in Wales. He said food production “must be at the core” of the government’s plans for farming policy.

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, urged the Welsh government to offer more clarity on its tree-planting ambitions.

“Does this include hedges?” he asked, adding: “Welsh government needs to be clearer on the purpose of growing trees. Is it for crops of storing carbon?”

Speaking at a separate seminar hosted by NFU Cymru later on Tuesday, Wales’s rural affairs secretary Lesley Griffiths said the Welsh government would publish a consultation on the final SFS next spring.

In the meantime, she appealed to all farmers in Wales to help with the co-design of the scheme over the next six months, ahead of the final consultation.