More than 15,600 farm businesses across Wales will receive a share of over £159.6m in Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Advance payments, according to an announcement by Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths.
This news means 97 per cent of claimants will receive an automatic payment worth 70 per cent of their estimated full claim value.
Historically, BPS payments have commenced from 1 December, but regulation changes made by the Welsh Government following the end of the EU Exit Implementation Period has simplified the requirements of BPS for 2021 and beyond. This has allowed BPS Advance payments to be made prior to December to eligible BPS 2021 claimants, without the need to submit an application. Full and Balance BPS 2021 payments will commence from 15 December.
Lesley Griffiths said, “As we move to our new Sustainable Farming Scheme it is crucial, we provide support to secure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the farming sector. Following the end of the EU Exit Implementation Period and through consultation, I introduced legislation which simplified the requirements of BPS and will provide early payments to the vast majority of farm businesses in Wales.
“Full and remaining balance BPS 2021 payments will be made from 15 December, subject to full validation of a BPS claim and my officials will use the next two months to maximise the number of farmers receiving these payments early in the payment window.”
Picture caption: Welsh Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths.