9th January 2020

Roger Parry & Partners have welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement of £243million of funding for 2020 to support Welsh farmers once the UK leaves the EU, but the firm agrees with the Welsh Government’s Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, that further guarantees are needed.

Welsh Secretary, Simon Hart, has said the £243million demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to providing certainty and support for Wales’ farmers. He also said it highlights the vast opportunities available as we leave the European Union.

Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, responded by saying, “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.”

Richard Corbett, Partner with Roger Parry & Partners said, “We are pleased the Chancellor has announced the UK Government’s support for Welsh farmers. This will hopefully provide a degree of certainty and stability for Welsh farmers as the UK enters the critical stage of negotiating future trading relationships with the EU and other countries in the coming year. We agree with the Welsh Government Minister, however, that Welsh farmers need more certainty when it comes to replacing other EU funds for future years.”  

The funding announced will be available from late 2020 and will be accessed through the Basic Payment Scheme application process. When the application window opens, Roger Parry & Partners will be able to assist farmers in completing the necessary application forms. Completion of the form ensures access to farm support under the BPS in both England and Wales.

In 2019 Roger Parry and Partners helped over 500 farmers fill in their application forms, including many complex cross-border farmers dealing with Rural Payments Wales (RPW) and the Rural Payments Agency England.

Richard Corbett said, “BPS payments cannot be secured without submitting an application form, so this is one of the most crucial forms farmers will complete.  Our professionals have extensive experience in filling in BPS application forms and will ensure that sufficient time and care is taken to guarantee its accuracy.”

For advice on the Basic Payment Scheme, or grant funding applications, please call your local office. Oswestry: 01691 655334, Welshpool 01938 554499, Carmarthenshire: 07498 717778, Minsterley: 01743 791336, Shrewsbury: 01743 343343, Llanidloes: 01686 449222.