It seems like only yesterday we were reminding members that the Single Application Form period was about to begin and now there is just under two weeks left before this year’s deadline, writes Gwawr Parry of NFU Cymru.

The cut-off date for filing this year’s form is midnight on Monday, May 16.

Without completing these forms, the Basic Payment Scheme, and a number of Rural Development schemes including Glastir, Glastir Organic and Glastir Woodland schemes cannot be secured and so this is one of the most crucial forms farmers will complete.

We were pleased that Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths announced just before Christmas that the BPS budget would remain the same for 2022.

Given the major increases in input costs that all farms currently face the importance of the BPS to help provide stability to farming businesses is as important as ever.

When completing the form, you should check you meet the eligibility criteria that are detailed in the Single Application Rules booklet. You should make sure you have indicated which fields and or crops you wish to claim for each scheme, and you must submit the appropriate supporting documents.

Once you have completed and submitted your form, a formal acknowledgement will be sent out electronically. You should check this through thoroughly to ensure that the form is correctly completed. It is advisable that you print this off or take a screenshot for your records.

If you miss this deadline, your form will be accepted up until midnight on June 10 2022, but penalties will apply. Applications received after this date will not be accepted. Please do not leave it until the last minute and get your form completed as soon as possible.

If you have any queries about your application, you can contact RPW by calling the customer contact centre on 0300 062 5004 or by visiting the website at www.gov.wales/RPWOnline. NFU Cymru members can also contact their local NFU Cymru group office and speak with their group secretary.