Thousands of Welsh farm payments land in bank accounts for support

Thousands of Welsh farmers have started receiving early financial support under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) Universal Layer, according to the Welsh Government. In total, 90% of SFS claimants and 94% of BPS claimants have received advance payments. The funding is part of a wider support package introduced in recent weeks, which also includes an extension for spreading slurry, derogations tied to crop and habitat management requirements, and new grants for climate adaptation measures such as boreholes and water harvesting equipment. The advance rate for 2024 was increased from 70% to 80% to help offset pressures including this summer’s dry weather. Balance payments are expected once claims are fully checked, largely before March 2027.