New IBERS Distance Learning courses launched to support Sustainable Farming Scheme requirements

20 August 2026

IBERS Distance Learning is delighted to announce the launch of a new series of short online courses designed to support sustainable agriculture and help Welsh farmers meet the learning requirements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

If you're preparing for the Welsh Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), you may already be aware that participants are required to complete a minimum of six hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as part of the scheme's Universal Layer requirements.

To help farmers access flexible, relevant training, IBERS Distance Learning has introduced a series of online introductory courses covering key sustainable agriculture topics.

The courses allow learners to study at their own pace while gaining valuable knowledge in key areas of sustainable farming.

The new courses have been developed to complement both the Welsh Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and England's Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

Under the Welsh Sustainable Farming Scheme, participating farmers are required to complete a minimum of six hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) learning each year.

Each IBERS Distance Learning short course provides the required six hours of CPD, giving farmers a convenient and flexible way to meet this requirement while building practical knowledge that can be applied on farm.

Courses available include:

  • Introduction to Soil Science: Functions, Sampling & Assessment
  • Sustainable Agrifood Systems: Land, Livestock & Climate Solutions
  • On-Farm Life-cycle Assessment (LCA)

The courses are BASIS-accredited, enabling Welsh farmers to fulfil the SFS learning requirement through a single course.

The courses start on the first Wednesday of each month, offering a convenient and accessible way for farmers and land managers to enhance their skills while supporting the transition to more sustainable farming systems.

ForeligibleWelshfarmers,coursefeesarecurrently80%fundedthroughFarmingConnect.

FindoutmoreaboutthecoursesandupcomingstartdatesontheIBERSDistanceLearningwebsite.

ForfurtherinformationontheSFSCPDrequirement,seetheWelshGovernment's SustainableFarmingSchemeCPDguidance.