Changes ‘to make farming competitive’

FEWER on-farm inspections, and swifter payments for cross-border farms, are to be introduced to the current subsidy system in Wales.

They are among 11 recommendations arising from a recent consultation on simplifying agricultural support until the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme is implemented.

The changes will help make farming and food production more competitive, said rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths.

Amended guidelines include:

■ Inspection rates will drop from 5% to 3% of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) claimants.

■ An advance 70% payment will be made each October, both for validated and unvalidated claims.

■ Full BPS payments for cross-border farms will made in full on all land within Wales, with a minimum claim size of 5ha.

■ Unspent BPS funds resulting from penalties or the national reserve will be retained rather than returned to Brussels.

On greening, the government plans to end crop diversification, otherwise known as the three-crop rule.

The 30% greening payment is being absorbed into BPS payments but farmers must still meet the permanent grassland and environmental focus area requirements under cross-compliance.

Farmers will have until December 31 to submit supporting documents for BPS claims.