Emergency Measures to Support Farmers During COVID-19

The farming community is likely to be relieved by the news from the Government, announced this week, that a series of emergency measures have been put in place to support them during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, announced a number of actions in recognition of the unique challenges facing the sector as a result of coronavirus, particularly during what is normally a busy time of year for them.

These include:

• Farmers will have an extra month to submit their Single Application Form (SAF), with the deadline now extended to 15 June
• The Welsh Government is removing the requirements for BPS 2020. This is in response to concerns about crop diversification requirements following the recent flooding, and in recognition of the added pressure and uncertainties coronavirus brings
• An additional £5.5m has been allocated to the BPS and Glastir 2019 support scheme which has now re-opened to support 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 written to farming unions to thank them and their members for their hard work in ensuring the continuation of the food supply chain. Very recently, 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.

Find full details of the announcement here.

Find Farmwell Wales here.

JCP Solicitors’ Rural Practice team has extensive expertise in this field of law and is on hand with tailored legal support during this time. For more information please contact us at law@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or call 03333 208644.

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