A series of emergency measures to support Welsh farmers during the
Covid-19 outbreak, recognising the crucial role they play in
feeding the nation, have today [1 April] been announced by Minister
for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, .
In recognition of the challenges facing the sector as a result of
Covid-19 and during what is normally a busy time of year anyway,
the Minister has confirmed farmers will have an extra month to
submit their Single Application Form (SAF), with the deadline now
extended to 15 June.
In response to concerns about Crop Diversification requirements
following the recent flooding and the added pressure and
uncertainties Covid-19 brings, the Welsh Government has also
confirmed it is removing the requirements completely for BPS
2020.
An additional £5.5m has been allocated to the BPS and Glastir
2019 support scheme which will re-open from today to support
those farmers who are yet to receive their 2019 BPS and/or
Glastir payments. Farmers will be able to apply for support
through the scheme to alleviate potential cash flow problems.
The Minister has today also written to farming unions to thank
them and their members for their work ensuring the continuation
of the food supply chain.
Earlier this week, a new FarmWell Wales resource was launched
with useful information and advice to help keep farm businesses
and farmers resilient and plan positively for the future.
The Minister said: “We are facing a global pandemic the
like of which we have not seen in peacetime. This is a worrying
time for all families across Wales, especially in our rural and
farming communities.
“Our farmers play a crucial role in feeding the nation and even
more so during this global pandemic and it is vital they have our
support. That is why I am today announcing a range of
measures to support our farmers and help them continue to fulfil
this role
“By extending the SAF deadline to 15 June, we are giving farmers
the time and space to focus on what’s important now and still
have time to claim. We have also listened to feedback from
the farming unions and we are removing Crop Diversification
requirements completely for BPS 2020.
“Finally, we have re-opened the BPS and Glastir 2019 support
scheme so farmers who are still waiting for 2019 payments will be
able to alleviate increasing cash-flow pressures by applying for
the support scheme.
“I would like to sincerely thank farmers and everyone else in the
supply chain for the heroic job you are doing ensuring food gets
on Welsh plates. The situation we face is unprecedented but
we will do all we can to continue supporting our valued rural
communities across Wales. The measures I have announced
today will help our farmers keep doing the great work they do and
help the sector during this difficult time.”
Notes to editors
Notes
For further information on the Single Application
Form Rules Booklet please visit: https://gov.wales/single-application-form-saf-2020-rules-booklet
Farmers who are entitled to a BPS payment must observe on all
their eligible land the agricultural practices beneficial for
the climate and the environment, including Crop
Diversification. On eligible arable land between
10 and 30 hectares in size, farmers are required to grow two
different crops. The main crop may not exceed 75% of the
land. If the eligible arable land is larger than 30
hectares in size, three crops must be grown, the main crop,
again, may not exceed 75%.
The crop diversification cultivation period is between 1 May
and 15 July. These requirements will now be removed in
Wales for BPS 2020.
On BPS and Glastir 2019 support scheme,
RPW will contact those who are eligible to apply
directly. The new window for applications is open until
17 April 2020. Loan payments will be made, and farm
businesses notified, week commencing 20 April 2020. Given the
exceptional circumstances and Covid-19 instructions for
self-isolation, farmers unable to access RPW Online, can
contact the RPW Customer Contact Centre and register for the
loan payments over the telephone.
A change to the BPS 2019 support scheme has also been made
following feedback from stakeholders, reducing the BPS rate to
70% of the anticipated claim value. This will maximise
the number of farm businesses who may receive a loan payment
whilst minimising the risk of future debts.
More information on FarmWell
Wales can be found at www.farmwell.wales/get-support/
