- 90% of farms claiming under the Sustainable Farming Scheme
(SFS) Universal Layer and 94% of farms claiming under the Basic
Payment Scheme (BPS) have now received their advance
payment.
- SFS and BPS advance payment rates were increased this year to
80% to help ease cash-flow pressure caused by this summer's dry
weather
- Building on previously announced support for the
industry
Today thousands of Welsh farms have advance farm payments in the
bank, giving businesses financial support, at a challenging time
for the industry.
Ninety per cent of farms claiming under the Sustainable Farming
Scheme (SFS) Universal Layer and Ninety-four per cent of farms
claiming under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) have now received
their advance payment. Remaining advanced payments will continue
to be paid as they are checked and confirmed, until balance
payments start from mid-December onwards.
This year the advance payment rate for both schemes was increased
from 70% to 80%, so farms can access more of their expected
payment sooner. The change was made to help alleviate pressures
on farm businesses due to the unprecedented challenges facing
farmers this year.
Full and remaining balance payments will follow once claims are
fully checked. Those who have claimed the SFS Universal Layer
will need to update their SFS Universal Dashboard on RPW Online
in order to receive their balance payment. All but the most
complex claims are expected to be paid before the end of March
2027.
These payments build on existing support for the industry
announced by the Welsh Government in recent weeks, including an
extension to the open period for spreading slurry, derogations on
certain scheme requirements for crop and habitat management, and
introducing grants for climate adaptation methods, such as
boreholes and water harvesting equipment.
The Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and
Sustainability, , said:
"Payments have already reached the vast majority - ninety per
cent of farmers claiming SFS - and considering that this is the
very first year of a brand-new scheme I see that as a big win.
We'll keep paying advance payments over the coming weeks.
I urge farmers to check their RPW Online accounts in case there
are outstanding queries to respond to which might hold up their
advance payment.
"We've increased advance payments from 70% to 80% for this year,
so farms can get more of what is expected, sooner and when they
need it most.
"This government will continue to back farmers with the
certainty, flexibility and support they need."
Notes to editors
Welsh Government backs
farmers with certainty, flexibility and support' |
GOV.WALES
Support available for
farmers as dry weather continues | GOV.WALES
Figures for 14th October
SFS Universal Layer:
90% Ninety
percent
- £117.3 million
BPS:
94% Ninety four percent
- £35.5 million
