BVA welcomes Wales Sustainable Farming Scheme
The AHIC should be implemented on farms with livestock.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed a new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), which is due to commence on 1 January 2026 in Wales.
The scheme will aim to support the sustainable keeping of livestock, tackling issues such as climate change and environmental sustainability.
Farmers will be encouraged to collaborate with their veterinary practice to support the health and welfare of their livestock. Veterinary teams will be closely involved with optimising animal health on the farm, as well as supporting other initiatives in place.
The SFS suggests thats ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach will promote healthy and productive animals.
The Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) should be implemented on farms where livestock are reared or farmed to produce food and goods. However, it will not be needed on small-scale enterprises with farmgate sales of private livestock.
Farmers are asked to work with their veterinary practice to action the AHIC, which should be completed within a 12-month period.
The AHIC covers four different steps: identify at least one health metric that could be improved, agree on an action plan, carry out and record a number of action plans, and review the impact of the actions.
The completed AHIC template must be signed by the farmer and the veterinary surgeon, acting as evidence it has been completed. There should also be an annual biosecurity assessment.
There will also be requirement for farmers to complete training in Body Condition Scoring (BCS), as well as mobility scoring, at least once every five years.
BVA’s Welsh Branch has been in involved in the Ministerial Roundtable. It will continue to work with the Welsh government to develop animal health aspects of the optional and collaborative tiers.
Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, said: “We all have a responsibility to tackle climate change and sustainable farming and food production plays a crucial role. The Sustainable Farming Scheme brings much needed clarity to farmers and vet teams in Wales looking to play their part.
“We are especially pleased to see the ethical imperative of animal health and welfare recognised as part of the scheme, as this is fundamental to farming sustainably.”
Image © Shutterstock
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
