Wales’ Shadow Rural Affairs Minister has called on the Welsh Government to commit long-term to the Basic Payment Scheme.
Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz, raised the need for certainty for the agricultural industry during a Budget debate, calling on the Welsh Government to double down on maintaining the Basic Payment Scheme.
Speaking on the matter, Samuel said: “The Basic Payment Scheme, or BPS, is an integral part to Wales’ farming industry, supporting farmers in their production of high-quality produce in a sustainable manner.
“While the Minister confirmed that it was the Welsh Government’s intention to maintain the Basic Payment Scheme throughout 2022, they shouldn’t go ‘cap in hand’ to Westminster when we’ve seen such financial wastage through the Welsh Government’s own Rural Development Plan.
Samuel added: “Limping from budget to budget provides no certainty for the agricultural industry which clearly requires a long-term funding commitment. It’s absolutely vital that our farmers continue to receive the support they require and funding must be prioritised towards the Basic Payment Scheme.”
