ALMOST all farmers in Wales received an early Christmas present after 94% of Single Farm Payments were paid on the first day of the payment widow.

In total, 15,417 applications have been processed for payment so far, with about £196million being paid into farmers’ bank accounts, exceeding the achievements of the last couple of years. Also, 3,100 farmers in parts of Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Montgomeryshire, Radnor and north Ceredigion, who were affected by the severe weather during March and April received £28.5million in advanced payments in October.

Minister for natural resources and food Alun Davies made the announcement at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair last week.

He said: “This is excellent news for Welsh farmers and demonstrates our commitment to provide farmers with the best possible service.

“That is also why I took the decision to advance payments to farmers who were affected by the severe spring weather in order to help ease some of the financial pressures they are facing.”

The news of the payout has been welcomed by Wales’ farming unions.

Ed Bailey, NFU Cymru president said: “This will help farm business cash-flow in a year that has been plagued by the worst spring in living memory together with increasing input costs for feed, fertiliser and fuel. This payment is hugely important to the viability of farm businesses. I applaud the staff of the Welsh Government on ensuring that 94% of farmers will receive their payment on the first day of the payment window. I hope that the remaining 6% will not have to wait too much longer.”