Update on farm payment schemes
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has now paid almost 99% of eligible farmers under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS 2020). The latest figures from the RPA show that BPS payments worth £1.76 billion were made to farmers by 29 February. This is an improved position on last year, with 1.4% more customers paid by the […]
RPA continues to leave farmers in the dark over payments
Over 3,000 farmers and growers are still in the dark over 2017 BPS payments, as the NFU continues its call for improved communications and efficiency from the RPA. Analysis by the NFU of new RPA figures revealed that more than 3,000 farmers are left waiting for their BPS payment, despite over 95% of farmers in […]
Rural Payments Agency pays 91% of 2016 Basic Payment Scheme claims in December
Over 78,000 (91%) of farmers in England received their 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money by the end of December. Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “I know how important these payments are to farmers and I am pleased that the RPA has surpassed its target of making 90% of payments by the end of December. […]
Upland farmers voice RPA concerns
Upland farmers have told the RPA that their businesses could be compromised by the organisation’s continued failure to meet deadlines and honour its commitments. Speaking after a meeting with the NFU Uplands Forum, chairman Robin Milton said that he was pleased that RPA staff had met with them to listen to their concerns. But he […]
NFU and CLA urge Secretary of State to prioritise urgent action on BPS
NFU and CLA have today written to the Defra Secretary of State Liz Truss MP to encourage her to urgently take a public and proactive role in leading the response to criticisms of the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme and the consequences for 2016. With financial hardship cases mounting, anxiety rising among BPS claimants, farmers expressing […]
Many sheep farmers placed in ‘unreasonable position’ ahead of BPS application deadline
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has voiced disappointment this week that the sheep sector in England, which has already been disproportionately affected by the late arrival of money under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), is being hit again by inflexibility at the Rural Payment Agency (RPA). Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “Claimants at the […]
Thousands of farmers and agents submit 2016 BPS applications early using online system
Over 2,000 applications for 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) have been completed and submitted so far, using the online Rural Payments service, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) announced today (30 March). The RPA is encouraging farmers and agents to apply online now, so that they submit their applications in good time, ahead of the May […]
RPA reports good progress towards BPS payments for farmers
With less than a month to go before Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments to farmers in England are due to start, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA ) is reporting that good progress is being made. A series of transfers and checks need to be made before payments can be made. The RPA has confirmed that it […]
FUW anger over RPW office closure
The Farmers’ Union of Wales Meirionnydd branch has expressed its anger and disappointment at the proposed closure of the Rural Payments Office (RPW) in Dolgellau as part of an internal strategic review of its premises by Welsh Government. “This facility is of tremendous importance to Meirionnydd farmers, which is used on a regular basis,” said […]
