On the opening day of the last Winter Fair before the UK leaves
the EU, the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural
Affairs, , has confirmed Basic
Payments Scheme (BPS) will remain unchanged in 2020 to support
Welsh farmers transition to a new Land Management Programme
post-Brexit.
Speaking at the Hybu Cig Cymru breakfast, the Cabinet Secretary
said the decision to keep BPS for a further year will provide
reassurance to the industry and give them more time to prepare
for the changes to future farm support post-Brexit.
The Cabinet reiterated her commitment to support farmers through
a new Land Management Programme, which will provide support in a
smarter way than the current BPS.
At the HCC breakfast, the Cabinet Secretary will also announce
over 85% of farmers’ BPS 2018 claims will be paid on Monday 3
December. Over £181m will be paid into the bank accounts of over
13,200 Welsh farm businesses. This includes nearly 1,000 farmers
who applied for the BPS loan scheme but will now get their BPS on
day one.
Farmers who have their BPS claims for 2018 still to be validated
for payment are urged to apply before 30 November for an opt-in
loan scheme, announced in response to the spell of hot and dry
weather earlier this summer.
Cabinet Secretary said:
“We had an overwhelming response to our consultation ‘Brexit and
our Land’ and are now considering all the responses in detail.
“We will continue to support farmers post-Brexit but in a smarter
way. Maintaining the status quo is not an option and we now have
the opportunity to design a new, better system of farm support.
“The BPS is not linked to outcomes, productivity, farmer effort
or need. The proposed schemes in the ‘Brexit and our Land’
Consultation, our new Economic Resilience and Public Goods
schemes will do so through providing targeted support.
“I realise this signals big change for the sector at an uncertain
time. The transition period is vitally important and is why I am
today announcing BPS will remain unchanged for a further year in
2020 to provide certainty and help farmers transition smoothly to
a new Land Management Programme.
“This extension will ensure farmers have enough time to prepare
and adapt to this new approach. It will ensure a multi-year,
managed transition and fulfils our commitment no existing schemes
will be removed until replacing schemes are ready. We will also
consult further on our proposals next year.
On the payment of Basic Payment Scheme claims, the Cabinet
Secretary added: “I am delighted to announce that over 85% of
farmers will receive their BPS payments on the first day. RPW are
continuing to validate the remaining claims as quickly as
possible and will be contacting farm businesses directly, if
their BPS claims are still to be validated.
“This will give farmers every opportunity, if they wish, to apply
for the loan scheme I announced in the summer in response to the
hot and dry weather. This loan will help ease the pressures on
the claimants not receiving their BPS payments early in the
payment window.
“I would urge all farmers who are contacted by RPW this week to
submit a BPS Loan Application before the deadline on Friday 30
November. All eligible loan applications received by us will be
processed and paid by 10th December.”
Background
As of 23/11/2018, Rural Payments Wales have processed just over
13,200 (over 85%) of BPS claimants for payment on day one of the
BPS payment window (3 December). The value of the payments is
£181.4m.
Also, to date RPW have received 1,779 BPS Loan applications, but
only 862 applicants currently need a loan. The other 917
applicants will not require a loan as their BPS claim will be
paid on day 1.
