Written by Rachel Martin
A series of emergency measures to support Welsh farmers during the Covid-19 outbreak 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 during what is normally a busy time of year, the Minister has confirmed farmers will have an extra month to submit their Single Application Form (SAF). The deadline for this year’s application has now been extended to June 15.
Following recent flooding, the Welsh Government also confirmed it is removing crop diversification requirements (also known as the three-crop rule) completely for BPS 2020.
An additional £5.5 million has been allocated to the BPS and Glastir 2019 support scheme which will reopen immediately 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, the 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.
“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 completely for BPS 2020.
“Finally, we have reopened 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.
“The situation we face is unprecedented but we will do all we can to continue supporting our valued rural communities across Wales.”
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