The Euro exchange rate has been set for calculating 2018 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments.

BPS payments for Wales are set in Euros and then converted into sterling and the rate, an average of the European Central Bank exchange rates set in September will be:-

€1 = 0.89281

For reference, the rates during the last 3 years have been:-

2017  €1 = 0.89470

2016 €1 = 0.85228

2015 €1 = 0.73129

The Welsh Government, through Hybu Cig Cymru, is inviting beef and sheep farmers in Wales to benchmark their data and gain a better understanding of the performance of their farm to help identify improvements for their businesses.

Once the data (from 2016-17 or 2017-18 financial years) has been verified, producers will receive:-

• A detailed and bespoke benchmarking report for their own farming business
• £1,000 as compensation for their time and effort

The project is open to 2,000 beef and sheep producers in Wales on a first come first served basis between 8 October – 10 December 2018. Please check eligibility criteria and terms and conditions. Only one application per farming business (or CRN) is permitted.

If you wish to engage help in completing and sending the data, CARA staff will be available and can be contacted on 01570 471516 to arrange an appointment.