Welsh Basic Payment Scheme extended until 2021

Posted by LindaStenner on December 2, 2019

Wales' Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, has confirmed that the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in Wales will continue in 2021 (subject to available UK government funding), meaning the transition to the proposed new Land Management Programme will not start until 2022.

With the date of  the UK’s departure from the EU delayed,  plans to transition from EU Common Agricultural Policy schemes to a new Land Management Programme have been paused.

Although unable to provide commitments around the level of funding, in order to provide assurances to farmers and assist them to plan ahead, the Minister has indicated that intends to continue a form of the BPS scheme for a further year. This means the earliest any multiyear, managed transition to the new, targeted system of farm support can commence will be 2022.

Lesley Griffiths said: “In light of the continuing uncertainty, I am announcing my intention to extend the Basic Payment Scheme to 2021, subject to sufficient funding being provided by the next UK government for agricultural support.

“Looking further ahead, I intend to continue to support farmers post Brexit but in a smarter way. These will be significant changes for the sector and are entirely dependent on when the UK leaves the European Union and the UK government providing the same levels of funding to Wales – neither of which have yet been confirmed.”

For further information contact Eifion Bibby at David Meade Property Consultants on 01492 510360, email eifionbibby@dmpcuk.com