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The Welsh Government has committed £3 million over three financial years to continue the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme, backing farmers across Wales in their efforts to improve flock efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.
From April 2026, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) will take charge of Phase 2, helping farmers make smarter, evidence-based breeding decisions through access to Genomic Estimated Breeding Values – advanced genetic tools designed to inform management at farm level.
What’s changing
The next phase will provide transition support for current participants while welcoming new flocks into the programme. Farmers enrolled will receive practical, technical and financial assistance, with genetic data collected feeding into wider industry benchmarking and long-term business planning. Phase 2 will also introduce robust key performance indicators, tailored farm-level action plans and a portfolio of research projects aimed at driving innovation across the sector.
What Phase 1 achieved
Phase 1, delivered by Farming Connect, wraps up on 31 March 2026. Since launching in 2023, the programme introduced genomics into the sheep sector for the first time anywhere in the world and generated the highest number of genotypes on the AHDB-Signet database – 70,000 across Tier 1 and Tier 2 flocks. Two research strands were developed focusing on breeding for worm resistance and reduced methane emissions, delivered in partnership with Innovis and AHDB-Signet.
The programme’s objectives align with the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which launched on 1 January 2026, and with HCC’s Vision 2030 strategy for a productive, sustainable and competitive Welsh red meat industry.
Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “This funding demonstrates our commitment to supporting farmers to build profitable, resilient businesses while delivering on our climate ambitions. The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme shows what is possible when cutting-edge science meets the proud tradition of Welsh livestock farming. By helping farmers breed healthier, more productive flocks with a lower environmental footprint, we are strengthening food security and safeguarding our rural economy for the long term.”
José Peralta, Chief Executive of Hybu Cig Cymru, said: “The progress achieved to date reflects the commitment of farmers across Wales, the work of the Farming Connect team, and the continued financial support of the Welsh Government. Together, these provide a strong platform for the next phase.
“This next step directly supports a core priority in our new strategic plan – to develop and lead the implementation of initiatives that improve economic and environmental sustainability. We look forward to working closely with farmers to ensure they have the tools, insights, and support needed to thrive in the years ahead.”
