“Play your part in shaping Wales’ future farming
support and make the most of the available
assistance”: that is the message from to Wales’ farmers, as she
visits the Welsh Dairy Show today (Tuesday
29th October 2019).
The Minister is urging farmers who have not yet had their say on
the Welsh Government’s plans to support the industry after
Brexit, as set out in Sustainable Farming and Our
Land, to make sure they do so before it closes
tomorrow. To date, the consultation has attracted nearly
2,000 responses.
Speaking ahead of the Welsh Dairy Show in Carmarthen, the
Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs
said:
“Whilst a disastrous No-Deal Brexit has been averted – for
now - we cannot be certain of the eventual outcome. We want to
provide as much clarity on the future of Welsh farming in these
uncertain times.
“It is right, therefore, we consult and develop our long-term
proposals for future support. Many of the proposals in the
Sustainable Farming and Our Land consultation are largely
unaffected by the outcome of Brexit.
“Many farmers will be dependent on future support, and we
are dependent on farmers delivering many of the outcomes we are
trying to secure. Farmers have to be at the heart of this
conversation. I would encourage everyone with an interest
in the future of Wales’ farming sector to make sure they have had
their say before 11pm tomorrow night.”
The Minister is also encouraging farmers to consider
applying for this year’s Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Support
Scheme, a facility to help farmers whose BPS claims have not been
validated by the start of December.
Although the existing BPS payment window of 2 December 2019
until 30 June 2020 will be maintained, under the BPS Support
Scheme, farmers who don’t receive their first BPS payment on day
one will receive a payment worth up to 90% of their anticipated
BPS claim value.
The application window for the BPS Support Scheme opened on
15 October and will remain open until 29 November. Individuals
can apply using their RPW Online account.
“I am determined to provide as much assistance as possible
to Welsh farmers. Our BPS Support Scheme aims to provide some
assurances to farmers, helping them to manage their immediate
cash flow in these uncertain times. Again, I strongly advise
farmers to submit an application before 29 November”.
Technical Note
The Minister is visiting the Welsh Dairy
Show, United Counties Showground,
Nantyci, Carmarthenshire between 10:00am – 11:45am on Tuesday
29th October.
At 10:45am the Minister will present the NFU Cymru / NFU
Mutual Welsh dairy stockperson of the year award 2019 from the
Main Ring.
At 10:55am the Minister will present the FUW Insurance
Services Ltd ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Welsh Dairy
Industry’ Award 2019.
