NFU Cymru seeks clarity from Welsh Government on possible Advanced CAP Payments
NFU Cymru has today written to the Deputy Minister, Rebecca Evans, to ask whether the Welsh Government will be in a position to make part CAP payments to farmers from 16 October in order to support the industry at this time of crisis.
Stephen James, NFU Cymru President, in his letter said, “Following the announcement by the EU Commission last week I am now seeking clarification on the Welsh Government’s position regarding the early delivery of direct and rural development support. Our members need this information so that they can discuss their financial position with their banks, agricultural merchants and other creditors. It is crucial as part of these discussions, and for their business planning, that farmers have a clear idea of when payments are likely and the level of part payment that will be made.”
During last week’s farming demonstration in Brussels, Stephen James met with Rebecca Evans ahead of the EU Council of Ministers meeting where the decision was made at a European level that Member States could start paying up to 70% of direct payments and 85% of rural development payments as early as 16 October. Stephen James said, “During my meeting with Rebecca Evans last week I asked about the possibility of early payments whilst acknowledging the pressure the Welsh Government would be under to deliver; but I emphasised the fact that farmers are now entering the expensive winter period and will then be in an extremely vulnerable position.”
Stephen James concluded, “Farm income forecasts for the year ending February 2015 show a decline of 24%, since then commodity prices have crashed further with GB producer prices in August 2015 down 25.7% year on year for milk and lamb prices at their lowest level for five years. In recent months the cash flow crisis has intensified on Welsh farms and we are looking to the Welsh Government to provide a clear timetable of when direct and rural development (Glastir and Organic) payments will be made to farmers.”