FUW issues warning over SAF computer errors
The Farmers’ Union of Wales today warned farmers to double check their Single Application Form (SAF) acknowledgment letters to make sure they do not lose out due to computer scanning errors or if any of the information is incorrect. “Although the busy time of completing SAF forms came to an end on May 15, it […]
SPS 2013 – RPA announces latest figures
As of 15 May, the Agency had received 99,481 applications, with 55,332 of these made electronically and 44,149 on paper. The numbers are likely to increase as further applications are received and assured, with the final numbers known in mid June. RPA Customer Services Director Justin Chamberlain said: “It is great to see that thousands […]
Future Rural Funding Debate
All are welcome to discuss, with Defra, the priorities and objectives of the next rural development programme. The event, taking place on Monday 20 May, from 15:30-19:30, at Holiday Inn, Scotch Corner, Darlington is one of a series being held across England where Defra and the Rural and Farming Networks will lead discussions to consider […]
Shocking 2012 weather dents farming’s bottom line
Latest Defra farm income figures show a 14 per cent decrease in the bottom line for UK agriculture, as the total income from farming (TIFF) decreased by £737million in 2012 to £4.7billion. NFU Chief Economist Phil Bicknell said: “The overall fall in farm profitability will not be a surprise for anyone in the industry. The […]
CAP budget cuts for next 7-years means urgent rethink of spending is needed
Farmer members called for a fundamental rethink of the rural development programmes after hearing that the CAP budget will be cut at a European level for the next seven years. The NFU has reiterated its commitment to continuing improvement of the farmed environment, as well as increasing agricultural production. And chairing the session, with CAP […]
NatWest’s £500m support for farmers
The bank, under the RBS Group, has allocated the cash to farming businesses across the UK since it became the first to launch the scheme on August 1 2012. Ian Burrow, Head of Agriculture and Renewables for commercial banking at NatWest, said: “We are delighted to have hit such a milestone in continuing to show […]
RPA continues impressive SPS performance
The Rural Payments Agency has continued its excellent Single Payment Scheme (SPS) performance, paying 99.3 percent of applicants by the end of March. The Agency, which had already achieved its end of March targets more than five weeks ahead of schedule, has now paid more than 103,000 customers. The latest figures also show that 99.5 […]
Banking on severe weather support
The severe weather and heavy snow that has affected many parts of Scotland over the past few weeks has had a significant impact on farmers especially during the busy lambing season. Bank of Scotland Head of Agriculture, Sandy Hay comments: “The recent awful weather has occurred in the midst of lambing and will have severely […]
Tax cuts welcomed by rural businesses
Rural businesses will welcome today’s decision to abolish the fuel duty escalator and cut the employers’ national insurance contribution, according to industry experts. The cuts, announced by Chancellor George Osborne in his 2013 Budget this afternoon, will see the planned 3% fuel tax rise in September cancelled. Employers’ national insurance will be reduced by an […]
