FARMERS who have submitted an application for BPS 2018 via the single application form (SAF) 2018 are being reminded that time to apply for a BPS loan is running out, with the application window closing on Friday, November 30.

The BPS loan facility has been put in place to help farmers who may not receive their 2018 BPS payment when the payment window opens on December 1. As this is an opt-in scheme, farmers have to apply for the loan through their RPW online account.

FUW Pembrokeshire CEO Rebecca Voyle said: “It is expected that the loan payments will be made during the week starting December 10 and all BPS loan payments will be made direct to farmers' bank accounts.

“The loan value paid to farmers will be a maximum of 70 per cent of their estimated 2018 BPS payment, which will be based on the area declared for BPS on the SAF 2018 and the number of payment entitlements held on May 15, 2018.

“I would like to urge all eligible farmers to consider making an application before the deadline as there will be no further opportunity to apply for a BPS loan after the November 30.”

“It should be noted that if you apply for a loan and your full BPS payment is released on 1 December then your loan application will be automatically cancelled by RPW, so you have nothing to lose.

“If you have any questions about completing your BPS loan application you can either contact RPW’s customer contact centre on 0300 062 5004, or your local county office,” added Mrs Voyle.

Further details regarding BPS loans are also available on the Welsh Government’s website beta.gov.wales/basic-payment-scheme-loan-rules-booklet.