A series of proposals aimed at creating a sustainable future for farming and agriculture have been announced by Welsh rural affairs minister, Lesley Griffiths.

The proposals aim to maintain high food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards and will look to reward farmers for sustainable food production and good environmental practices.

The white paper also reveals how farmers will be supported in creating food safely, as well as looking to reverse a decline in biodiversity.

“Leaving the EU provides us with an opportunity to develop a system of agricultural support which is tailored for Wales.”

One of the key proposals will also see a replacement of the current Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and agri-environment schemes with a new Sustainable Farming Scheme. Plans to continue the BPS in 2022 were also announced, subject to confirmation of funding from the UK Government.

The white paper is open for consultation until 25 March 2021, and the full document can be viewed here.

Commenting on the new proposals, Lesley Griffiths said: “Leaving the EU provides us with an opportunity to develop a system of agricultural support which is tailored for Wales.  We have consulted and engaged widely over the last two years and today’s White Paper sets out our long-term vision to take this forward and introduce the necessary legislation.

“I want farmers to see our proposals as an opportunity rather than an approach that restricts their ‘freedom to farm’.  We are ready to continue working with farmers to achieve our common goals of a sustainable and resilient sector whilst addressing the pressing challenges we face. We can only do this by working together – have your say by 25 March 2021.”

Photograph: Welsh rural affairs minister, Lesley Griffiths.