Thousands of Welsh farm payments land in bank accounts as support ramps up

Today thousands of Welsh farms have advance farm payments in the bank, giving businesses financial support, at a challenging time for the industry.  

Ninety per cent of farms claiming under the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) Universal Layer and Ninety-four per cent of farms claiming under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) have now received their advance payment. Remaining advanced payments will continue to be paid as they are checked and confirmed, until balance payments start from mid-December onwards.

This year the advance payment rate for both schemes was increased from 70% to 80%, so farms can access more of their expected payment sooner. The change was made to help alleviate pressures on farm businesses due to the unprecedented challenges facing farmers this year. 

Full and remaining balance payments will follow once claims are fully checked. Those who have claimed the SFS Universal Layer will need to update their SFS Universal Dashboard on RPW Online in order to receive their balance payment. All but the most complex claims are expected to be paid before the end of March 2027.  

These payments build on existing support for the industry announced by the Welsh Government in recent weeks, including an extension to the open period for spreading slurry, derogations on certain scheme requirements for crop and habitat management, and introducing grants for climate adaptation methods, such as boreholes and water harvesting equipment. 

The Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said:  

"Payments have already reached the vast majority - ninety per cent of farmers claiming SFS - and considering that this is the very first year of a brand-new scheme I see that as a big win. We'll keep paying advance payments over the coming weeks.   

“I urge farmers to check their RPW Online accounts in case there are outstanding queries to respond to which might hold up their advance payment.  

"We’ve increased advance payments from 70% to 80% for this year, so farms can get more of what is expected, sooner and when they need it most. 

"This government will continue to back farmers with the certainty, flexibility and support they need."