UA3: Benchmarking

What is UA3?

UA3 requires completion of an annual measuring and monitoring assessment to optimise business and environmental performance. This Universal Action supports farmers to benefit from basic benchmarking using simple Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve farm performance, increasing adaptability, enhancing profitability, and benefiting the environment.

What do I need to do?

Option 1: Use an approved industry benchmarking tool

Declare the industry-recognised benchmarking tool you are using on RPW Online

Option 2: Use FarmData+ (Farming Connect Benchmarking tool)

Single sector farms: Complete minimum 2 sector-specific KPIs plus 1 "Whole Farm" KPI
Multi-sector farms: Complete minimum 2 sector-specific KPIs per sector plus 1 "Whole Farm" KPI

Complete your chosen benchmarking approach by the end of the calendar year.

Who needs to complete UA3?

All farmers entering the scheme must complete this Universal Action.

If you already undertake annual benchmarking on a whole farm or enterprise basis using an approved industry tool, you may already meet this requirement and would not need to repeat the action.

What evidence do I need?

If using FarmData+:

KPI titles automatically shared with RPW (performance data remains private)
No additional evidence required

If using approved external provider:

Record which scheme/supplier used on RPW Online
Results kept for 5 years and available for inspection if requested

How much does UA3 pay?

Payment for UA3 is included in the Universal Payment received for completing all applicable Universal Actions. Performance results have no impact on payment amounts - this data is for your own business improvement use only.

Available sectors for KPIs

FarmData+ includes KPIs for:

Arable
Beef
Dairy
Sheep
Pigs
Poultry
Horticulture
Whole Farm metrics

How can I prepare?

Start using FarmData+ during 2025 to familiarise yourself with the process
Review the list of approved industry benchmarking alternatives
Consider which KPIs would be most valuable for your farm type
Gather baseline data for key performance metrics

Benefits of UA3

For your farm:

Data-driven understanding of business performance
Identification of successful management practices
Recognition of areas needing improvement
Lower costs and improved efficiency opportunities
Enhanced environmental performance tracking
Better decision-making based on objective metrics

For the community:

More efficient food production
Reduced carbon emissions and pollution
Clearer air and water quality
Meeting evolving consumer demands for sustainable production

Key principles

KPIs are for your own use - Welsh Government does not monitor or assess the data
You can choose different KPIs each year as circumstances change
KPIs work best when monitored over several years to track trends
Results have no impact on your Universal Payment
Focus is on improvement, not absolute performance levels