Janet Finch-Saunders

Will the First Minister make a statement on Basic Payment Scheme payments to farmers?

Carwyn Jones – The First Minister

Over 99 per cent of eligible farm businesses have been paid.

Janet Finch-Saunders

Thank you. I’m obliged to raise this question, actually, as a result of my own intense concerns at the handling of basic payments that are still outstanding to our farmers, and your own Government department’s process. Seventeen thousand and sixty-three farmers submitted their applications in June 2015, yet 12 months later, there are approximately 171 yet to receive any payment. Indeed, in Aberconwy, I have represented farmers who have waited several months for payment without any acknowledgment of their application, and many promised that they’ve been paid, when, in fact, they have not—one was for £60,000. First Minister, a delay of such magnitude is now putting farmers’ livelihoods at risk. Outstanding payments are causing immense stress and frustration. First Minister, will you look into your own Government department’s workings in this regard, to ensure that our hardworking farmers and the custodians of our countryside are not facing potential financial ruin because of your own Government department delays?

Carwyn Jones – The First Minister

I repeat again the answer I gave to the original question: over 99 per cent of eligible farm businesses have been paid—have had a basic payment scheme payment. If there are individual farms where there are difficulties, the correct thing to do is to raise those difficulties with the Minister, so that they can be looked at for those individuals. But we consistently outperform England and Scotland year upon year upon year when it comes to paying our farmers.