Richard warns of ‘pressing danger’ as Basic Payment cuts hit farmers bank accounts

Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton Richard Foord has warned that local farmers risk being driven out of business by the Government’s reduction of the Basic Payment. 

The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) supports farmers financially and makes up a large part of their income, particularly for smaller family-owned farms. 

The Conservative Government announced plans to begin phasing out the Basic Payment ahead of the transition to the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), set to be rolled out fully by 2028. 

However, with the latest instalment of the Basic Payment landing in bank accounts this week, there is concern over how farms will continue to stay afloat as the amount paid out has being cut by at least 20%. 

Richard Foord MP has warned that West Country farmers are being left at the mercy of rising costs and face a ‘pressing danger’ in the months ahead. 

Commenting, Richard Foord MP said: 

“Farmers across the West Country are facing a pressing danger right now. Not only are they having to deal with rising costs, but they’re also now seeing the cash they get in their bank trimmed away. 

“Devon farmers are some of the best in the world and produce such incredible produce. It’s scandalous that our world leading agricultural sector is being put at risk because of Conservative neglect. 

“This Government simply doesn’t get the challenges facing farmers in rural areas like ours. They’re content to sell out our farmers with botched trade deals and cut the income which many small family farms rely on. 

“We need action right now to avoid many farms going out of business altogether. Ministers must reverse their plans to cut the Basic Payment before the new payment system is ready and ensure our farmers are able to ride out this cost-of-living storm.”