Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has confirmed farm funding in Wales for 2020 following the UK Government’s announcement it will provide £243 million for the Basic Payment Scheme in 2020.

Farmers in Wales will be paid the Basic Payment Scheme in 2020 at the same level as in recent years and support for Wales’ rural economy and environment will also be "maximised after Brexit", says the Welsh Government, by transferring 15 per cent of the 2020 budget for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) to support rural development in 2021/22.

Under the Common Agricultural Policy, member states and administrations are permitted to transfer up to 15 per cent of their BPS budget to their Rural Development budget.

This funding can be invested in a range of important schemes and priorities including:

  • Support for farmers to make their businesses more environmentally friendly by reducing carbon and greenhouse emissions;
  • Projects that deliver water and air quality improvements;
  • Improving the resilience of our precious habitats and species;
  • Tree planting programmes – including support for the recently announced National Forest for Wales and;
  • Support for our food and drink businesses after Brexit.

Ms Griffiths said: “Wales has benefitted from many years of European investment, including in agriculture and rural development. This is of vital importance to Welsh farmers and rural communities.

“We welcome the announcement from the HM Treasury, but let us be clear, this is only making good on commitments already made.

“I would call on the UK Government to provide guarantees of funding for agriculture and to replace other current EU funds for future years. This will allow us to plan important future work to support agriculture, develop the economy, tackle climate change and protect our environment.”

Welsh Secretary Simon Hart has also welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement that the Welsh Government will receive £243 million of UK Government funding to support farmers once the UK leaves the EU next year.

Sajid Javid confirmed the cash will be used to support farmers once the UK leaves the Common Agricultural Policy Direct Payments scheme, allowing farmers across Wales to plan for the future, sow their crops and care for their livestock with confidence.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Javid, said: “When we leave the EU and are freed from the Common Agricultural Policy, we will be able to support our vital rural communities – who are a cornerstone of life in the UK – with a fairer and less bureaucratic system.

“Farmers can enter the New Year with confidence that they have our backing and will be able to thrive after Brexit.”

Welsh Secretary, Mr Hart, added: “This funding demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to providing certainty and support for Wales’ farmers. It also highlights the vast opportunities available to us as we leave the European Union.

“Taking back control of this funding will allow us to better represent the people we serve, ensuring that our farming communities have exactly what they need to flourish after we leave the European Union.”