A series of emergency measures to support Welsh farmers during the coronavirus (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, Lesley Griffiths.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
In recognition of the challenges facing the sector as a result of coronavirus 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 coronavirus 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.