News

16 - July - 2008NFU CYMRU VICTORY

NFU Cymru is today claiming victory for those Welsh farmers previously rejected from the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) earlier this year.

As a result of NFU Cymru complaining to the Welsh Assembly Government last week, the Rural Payments Division is now in the process of writing to all those farmers who were rejected from the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) to give them another chance to apply.

 Mary James, Head of Policy and Deputy Director for NFU Cymru wrote to the Welsh Assembly Government to contend the numerous rejections because members were unaware that they had to complete a separate application for the Organic Farming Scheme in addition to registering their intention to join the scheme on the Single Application Form (SAF) 2008.

In its response to Mary James the Rural Payments Division said, “The Assembly Government is committed to the expansion of organic farming in Wales and, subject to the Scheme’s budget allocation and where all other eligibility conditions have been met, will look to support those farmers in 2008, who did not submit an application form to join the scheme, but indicated on the SAF that they wish to claim organic payments.”

Mary James concluded, “I am delighted with this outcome, it gives Welsh farmers another opportunity to apply for this scheme. This is evidence of the good work NFU Cymru does on behalf of its members.  I would now urge all those members affected to complete and return their applications by 31 July.”

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Contact Mary James: (01982) 554200