Watch post for SFPs Welsh told

WELSH FARMERS have been urged not to ignore the bright yellow envelopes that arrive in their post from Tuesday (July 13).

The Welsh Assembly is describing the letter as the most important piece of mail producers will get all year if they want to ensure their single farm payments are accurate.

Each envelope contains forms detailing a farm‘s historic CAP payments on which its SFP will be based.

The onus is on the recipient to check the information and return the signed form by September 17.

Anyone wishing to challenge the accuracy of the data may do so, but will need to supply supporting evidence.

“The forms contain the information we believe to be correct on which their SFP will be based for years to come,” warned Carwyn Jones, the assembly‘s rural affairs minister.

“It is vital that this information is checked thoroughly before the deadline.

“The forms will not tell you the monetary value of the entitlement as this has yet to be confirmed.”

Mr Jones expects 80% of data conformation forms to reach farmers before the Royal Welsh Show.

The show opens on July 19, where a large team of civil servants will be on hand to deal with queries.

The remaining 20% are those where there are complex business changes or outstanding payments or debts, and these will receive a letter of explanation.

Anyone who farmed during the 2000-2002 reference period who does not hear from the assembly‘s agriculture department before the show is advised to contact their divisional office immediately.

Producers new to farming for whom no historical data is available will receive a letter this week telling them how to apply for SFP entitlement through the National Reserve.