Sustainable farming scheme backed by Senedd

REGULATIONS that secure Wales' climate commitments and enable the roll-out of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) have been passed in the Senedd.

- ANDREW FORGRAVE

Members approved new regulations that reinforce climate action and transform agricultural support.

The Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw IrrancaDavies, described the moment as "historic for the Welsh environment". Wales has already cut its emissions by more than a third since 1990.

The new climate regulations set Wales' fourth carbon budget at a 73% reduction in emissions and require the third carbon budget to be met entirely through domestic action.

After seven years of development, the agriculture regulations are the final step in ensuring the Welsh Government can launch the SFS in January.

The Deputy First Minister said: "While others retreat from climate commitments, Wales is staying the course.