Wales’ Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, has announced that farmers who receive a Tir Mynydd payment in 2011 will be eligible to apply for a full payment in 2012, capped at the 2011 payable area.
The Minister had previously announced that as part of the transitional arrangements for Glastir, the Welsh Assembly Government would pay farmers 90% of their 2010 Tir Mynydd claim. This would be in the form of a 60% payment in 2012 and a 30% payment in 2013.
At a meeting with Farming unions yesterday [Wednesday 15 December], the Minister announced that she had decided that all eligible Tir Mynydd farmers will receive 100% of the payment rate per eligible hectare in 2012. This will include Tir Mynydd farmers who will enter Glastir in 2012. There will be no further Tir Mynydd payments after this.
The change will result in an increased payment to Tir Mynydd farmers and the industry of approximately £2.5m.
Announcing the decision, Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said:
“I have been clear in my determination to ensure that the transition to Glastir is made as straightforward as possible for farmers.
“I recognise that Glastir marks a significant period of change. The announcement I am making today will ensure added stability for farmers in Wales in 2012 as we move to fully implement Glastir.”
