Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has received a letter from the Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans AM explaining that Welsh farmers will not receive funds from the Basic Payments Scheme earlier, despite being capable of doing so via EU regulations. Mr Davies wrote to the Deputy Minister, following concerns over the sustainability of the dairy industry.

Mr Davies said, “It’s disappointing to see that once again farmers are not receiving the support that they so desperately need from the Welsh government. The Deputy Minister has made it clear that farmers will not receive a percentage of the Single Farm Payment before December, despite having the flexibility to do so. Following recent concerns from dairy farmers over the sustainability of their industry for the future, the Welsh government should be leading by example and doing all that it can to better assist farmers in the current climate.”

He added, “Farmers are already facing a modulation rate of 15 per cent and with 17 per cent cuts to the rural affairs budget, the Welsh Labour government have made it impossible for farmers to plan financially. The Welsh Labour government must start prioritising the industry as a matter of urgency, to protect the sustainability of the industry for years to come.”