Rebecca Evans.
FOLLOWING the signing of a High Court Order in response to the Judicial Review against our original three region approach, the Welsh Government has worked with stakeholder bodies to identify all remaining options for a revised payment scheme that can be introduced in 2015 and is now seeking views from the whole sector. The Deputy Minister said: “From the start of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, we have worked closely with the farming industry to consider how best to manage change in Wales.
Our primary objective has been to complete preparations for the BPS in time to make payments as soon as possible during the 2015/16 payment window, and to be confident that the new arrangements comply with the regulations, ensuring that the BPS can be introduced without disruption. This is essential for the financial well-being of the farming industry in Wales. The consultation on the available options will last twelve weeks and I hope there will be a high level of response given the importance of the matter to the industry.
My final decision will be formed by consultation responses, a judgement of the practicalities of implementing the BPS securely without avoidable delay to making claimants’ payments, and how best to deliver the Welsh Government’s policy goals. I am grateful for the work of the Data Modelling Stakeholder Group and High Level Group which have considered the options and informed the consultation’s development. The farming unions and other stakeholder bodies involved have made a helpful and valued contribution.” The Deputy Minister said she hopes to announce her fi nal decision in July following consideration by the European Commission.
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