The Wales Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS): new soil organic matter testing requirements
NRM
Agriculture
Environment
Are you a farmer in Wales? Do you know about the Wales Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)?
There have been some key policy changes that you need to know about, including a mandatory requirement for soil testing including soil organic matter (SOM) as standard. This blog will dive into those changes and what you need to do to comply if you’re part of the scheme.
For more information on the SFS leading up to its launch, you can read our previous blogs:
- An introduction to the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales
- The Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales: what’s changed?
- Update: The Sustainable Farming Incentive in England and the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales
What is the Wales Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)?
The SFS is the main source of government support for farmers in Wales, and was officially launched on 1st January 2026. Replacing the Basic Payment Scheme, the SFS rewards farmers for actions taken to combat climate change, natural emergencies, and sustainable food production.
Ultimately, the SFS represents a significant policy shift towards outcomes-based support linked to environmental performance. By introducing a set of “National Minimum Standards” based on current cross compliance requirements, the government hopes to make it easier for farmers to comply with the law.
The scheme has been in discussion since at least 2018 and has seen multiple proposed iterations based on stakeholder feedback. The main policy change under the SFS that farmers need to be aware of is the formal inclusion of soil organic matter (SOM) testing as a mandatory requirement within the scheme’s Universal Actions.
Soil testing requirements under the SFS
Under the SFS, soil testing moves from good practice into a formal requirement. Participating farmers will need to undertake soil testing on a rolling basis, covering at least 20% of improved land each year. This approach ensures that full farm coverage is completed over a five-year cycle, embedding soil monitoring as a routine part of farm management instead of a one-off exercise.
A defined set of soil parameters must be analysed, including the familiar core nutrients:
- pH
- Phosphorus (P)
- Potassium (K)
- Magnesium (Mg)
However, it must also be noted that the scheme also explicitly requires soil organic matter (SOM) testing.
This marks a significant shift in Welsh agricultural policy. For the first time, SOM is embedded as a standard, scheme-wide testing requirement, rather than being optional, advisory, or limited to specific projects.
The Wales Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS): data, recording, and compliance
All soil test results must be recorded digitally via RPW Online, directly linking soil analysis to scheme participation and compliance. This digital reporting requirement is a step towards more consistent, auditable soil data across Wales.
SOM results will contribute to the Welsh Government’s baseline soil health dataset, allowing soil health to be monitored at a national level over time. This data will help track policy outcomes, measure progress against environmental objectives, and inform future scheme development.
While the policy framework does not currently advise a single analytical method, it does require testing to be carried out by competent laboratories in line with scheme guidance. This places responsibility on farmers and advisers to ensure that testing is robust, repeatable, and suitable for long-term monitoring.
Why does SOM analysis matter in the SFS?
Earlier Welsh schemes, such as Glastir, encouraged soil protection and improved management overall. However, whilst SOM analysis was often referenced as best practice or included within specific options only, this is the first time that SOM has been mandated across all participating farms.
By making SOM testing compulsory, the SFS is:
- Placing clear emphasis on SOM analysis as a key step towards sustainable farming practices throughout Wales
- Elevating SOM to a core indicator of soil health, alongside traditional soil analysis
- Recognising the important role of SOM in productivity, resilience, carbon sequestration, and national environmental improvement.
Under the SFS, SOM analysis has therefore become an important step in sustainable land management that must be measured, recorded, and revised regularly.
How NRM can help
NRM is an independent, UKAS accredited laboratory, offering all the analysis services necessary to satisfy the requirements of the Wales Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
We provide benchmark values on SOM and soil carbon, as well as traditional pH, P, K, Mg and trace minerals analysis to help you meet all requirements.
If you’re a part of the scheme, contact NRM or your adviser today so we can help you comply.
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