Farmers have welcomed the Welsh government's commitment to a "gradual and multi-year transition" from existing farm support to new schemes post-Brexit.
The Welsh government has set out a timetable for the future of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in Wales post-Brexit.
Speaking in the Senedd on the future of land management, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths confirmed that the BPS will continue as planned for 2018 and for the 2019 scheme year.
From 2020 when powers return from Europe, a gradual and multi-year transition from existing to new schemes will take place.
By 2025, Ms Griffiths said she would like implementation completed, and will set out further details in July which will be subject to consultation.
She said the timetable is needed due to Brexit uncertainty from the UK government.
NFU Cymru President John Davies welcomed the need for a sufficiently long transition period.
“This is crucial not just for farming businesses but for the rural economy that relies on thriving farming businesses and for our food processing sector who need guaranteed supply to ensure that their plants can run efficiently,” Mr Davies said.
'Cliff edge'
Ms Griffiths also told the Senedd that food production remains vital for the Welsh economy, and that the agricultural industry must prosper and be resilient whatever the nature of Brexit.
The Cabinet Secretary said: “Brexit brings significant changes and we must have a well-planned and multi-year transition. I learned the importance of avoiding a cliff edge removal of subsidies during my recent trip to New Zealand.
“I have always been clear that we should not lose a penny of funding as a result of leaving the EU and I will continue to fight to protect a full and fair allocation of funding to support land management in Wales.
She added: “The UK Government has so far failed to provide any detail or commitment beyond 2022 and I recently jointly wrote with my Scottish counterpart to Michael Gove seeking urgent clarity on future funding.”
