Welsh farmers receive 70% of BPS claims in advance payments

The majority of Welsh farmers will get 70% of their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) cash today (Friday 15 October), nearly seven weeks earlier than previous years, due to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The Welsh government has said it will pay more than £159.6m in advance payments to about 15,600 farm businesses – 97% of claimants.
Historically, BPS payments have been made from 1 December, but regulation changes made by the government in Wales after the end of the EU exit implementation period have triggered early payments.
See also: Advice for navigating changes in farm support
The government says these changes have simplified the requirements of BPS for 2021 and beyond, allowing BPS advance payments to be made without the need to submit an application.
In previous years, an opt-in BPS support scheme was used.
Balancing and full payments will be made from 15 December, once claims have been validated.
Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said her officials would use the next two months to “maximise’’ the number of farmers receiving these payments early in that payment window.
‘Major boost’
NFU Cymru has welcomed the news.
President John Davies said: “This support will be a major boost for cashflow – not just for farmers, but all the allied industries that rely on farmers for so much of their income.
“Today’s news is most welcome, particularly given the increasing issues we are seeing in the agri-food supply chain as a result of trade disruption with both the EU and Northern Ireland, the shortage of labour and rising costs on farm for vital products such as feed, fuel and fertiliser.
“It is important to note that a small percentage of farmers will not receive an advance payment tomorrow. I hope Rural Payments Wales will ensure that all efforts are now made to prioritise these farming businesses to receive their BPS payment when the next window for payments opens on 15 December.”
Farmers in Wales will continue to receive the BPS until the end of 2023, subject to funding from the UK government.