Wales commences 2008 Single Payment Scheme payments

Following the opening of the payment window for 2008 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) payments on 1st December, the Welsh Assembly has confirmed that 82.5 per cent of farmers were processed for payments (exceeding 75 per cent achieved for 2007 SPS payment) with some £183 million paid into farmers' bank accounts. The intention of the Welsh Assembly is that 85 per cent of farmers should receive their payment by Christmas. Further information is available on the Welsh Assembly website.