Minister announces measures to help Welsh farmers

A SERIES of emergency measures to support Welsh farmers during the Covid-19 outbreak, recognising the crucial role they play in feeding the nation, has been announced by Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths.

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 that farmers will have an extra month to submit their Single Application Form (SAF), with the deadline now extended to June 15.

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 reopen 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 cashflow problems.

The Minister has also written to farming unions to thank them and their members for their work in 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 June 15, 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 for BPS 2020.”