Following the announcement today (August 19) of the launch of the Basic Payment Scheme 2020 for the Welsh agricultural sector, Janet Finch-Saunders MS – the Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – said:
“I welcome this announcement of support for our nation's farmers, providing a necessary shot in the arm for our agricultural heroes during this continued period of uncertainty.
“However, December remains a far too distant future for some farmers, who tell me that they face almost immediate cash flow problems because of the market volatility brought about by Covid-19.
"It’s even more critical now because for months into the Covid pandemic, the Welsh Labour-led Government had offered very little in the way of support for the industry, while the silence from the Rural Affairs Minister was deafening.
“And so I urge the Welsh Government to bring forward this support scheme to the autumn, to help farmers cover the cost of animal feed and assist with their winter cash flow.”