The Welsh government has confirmed £3 million of funding over the next three financial years to continue the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP).
This programme supports Welsh sheep farmers to improve efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.
From April 2026, Hybu Cig Cymru: Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) will take the lead on Phase 2 of the programme.
This marks a significant step forward in supporting Welsh sheep farmers to make smarter, evidence-based breeding decisions.
According to the Welsh government, this new phase will deliver transition support for existing participants while “opening the door to new flocks”.
“Farmers will benefit from practical, technical and financial assistance to harness the power of Genomic Estimated Breeding Values – cutting edge genetic tools to enable more informed decisions at farm level,” a government spokesperson said.
The genetic data gathered will strengthen industry benchmarking and support long term business planning.
Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca‑Davies, said:
“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.”
Phase 2 will also see the development of robust key performance indicators, tailored farm-level action planning, and an ambitious portfolio of research projects designed to drive innovation across the sector.
Phase 1 of the WSGP, delivered by Farming Connect, comes to an end on March 31, 2026.
Since its launch in 2023, the programme has delivered significant progress, including:
- Introducing genomics into the sheep sector for the first time anywhere in the world;
- Generating the highest number of genotypes on the AHDB‑Signet database—70,000 across Tier 1 and Tier 2 flocks since 2023;
- Developing two cutting‑edge research strands: breeding for worm resistance and breeding for reduced methane emissions;
- Working in close partnership with leading specialists, including Innovis and AHDB‑Signet;
- Driving measurable genetic gains and improvements in key performance traits across participating flocks.
José Peralta, chief executive of Hybu Cig Cymru, said: “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.”
The government said this investment shows its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the production of high-quality, sustainable Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Welsh lamb.
