In this week’s edition:
- SPS payment window opens
- Second Parliamentary Ombudsman report into RPA maladministration of SPS
- Metal theft taskforce a boost to clamping down on rural crime
- Figures reveal farming value to economy says NFU
- NFU kicks off its next generation policy forum
- Agriculture part of climate change solution says NFU
- NFU to set up new tenants group
- Sheep and Goats Annual Inventory 2011
- Keeping your herd free from TB: Farmer meetings in Lancs & Cumbria
- Don’t forget your Soil Protection Review
- EBLEX‘s Stocktake- New Annual Costs of Production Survey
- Lower Alt with Crossens Pumped Drainage Flood Risk Management Strategic Plan
- My Story
- WHAT’S ON?
SPS payment window opens
The SPS payment window for 2011 is now open. We have head of some farmers in the North West who have already received their payment. Remember you are able to track your claim and view entitlements statements by visiting the RPA website. Go to “Single Payment Scheme 2011’ and select ‘Electronic Channel’.
Second Parliamentary Ombudsman report into RPA maladministration of SPS
The Parliamentary Ombudsman has published a report into the administration of the Single Payment Scheme. This new report upholds the complaints from nine farmers about the administration of SPS in 2005 and 2006 by the RPA. It sets out the Ombudsman’s investigations and findings in relation to the nine complaints about RPA’s handling of their claims in a number of areas. This includes that the RPA provided poor quality and sometimes ambiguous guidance on how to make a claim; failed to return farmers telephone calls when this had been promised; misdirected farmers about the status of their cases; delayed letting farmers know that they would not be paid; and did not explain their decisions properly. Finally, the RPA also failed to consider the effects their errors and omissions had on the farmers when they came to complain. In short the RPA failed to ‘get it right’ or ‘be customer focused’ and also failed to respond appropriately when it came to ‘put things right’. The Ombudsman’s 15 recommendations have been accepted in full by DEFRA, 14 of these relate to the individual complaints, the fifteenth refers to systemic issues that need addressing. The recommendations include refunding of Stage 2 SPS appeal fees of £100, a £500 sum for distress, inconvenience; a personal apology from the Permanent Secretary to DEFRA and varying levels of payment to put right the SPS losses incurred by the farmers and also to compensate for costs incurred. The Ombudsman does expect more complaints about the RPA and the administration of SPS, but hopes these will be resolved more quickly than in the past by the RPA.
Metal theft taskforce a boost to clamping down on rural crime
The NFU hopes that the creation of a national £5million metal theft taskforce will help prevent major disruptions to farms, rural businesses and their communities. As part of its Autumn Statement, the Government announced it had recognised metal theft as a “serious problem” and would be setting up a taskforce to develop intelligence and target and disrupt criminal networks. The NFU believes this may go some way to stamping out the problems facing both farmers and other rural businesses, such as the escape of livestock caused by the loss of a gate or entire communities losing their broadband access. Earlier this month NFU President Peter Kendall highlighted the problems caused by rural crime at a seminar hosted by the Association of Chief Police Officers. Mr Kendall also said the NFU would be supporting a Bill going through the House of Lords to clamp down on unregistered scrap metal dealers.
Figures reveal farming value to economy says NFU
New figures confirm that the UK farming industry is playing a crucial role in stabilising the economy, as it emerged that the industry contributed £7.4billion to the wider economy in 2010, a 5.3 per cent increase year-on-year. Farm output also increased, recording a 5.4 per cent rise as the value of UK agricultural production topped £20.7billion, according to the Defra UK Agricultural Accounts figures. However, figures show that farming still faces challenging business conditions. The overall profitability of UK farming fell by some £173m (-3.6 per cent) in 2010 as the industry saw input costs rise by 5.5 per cent. Projections from Defra show higher input costs will again influence 2011 profitability, but indicate a two per cent rise in farming’s total income in the current year. And of course, this headline performance is not representative of trends across all agricultural sectors or individual farm businesses. In sectors like dairy and poultry for example, rising input costs have outpaced any change in farmgate prices. Elsewhere, farmers and food processors are increasingly conscious of potential downward price pressure from supermarkets that could squeeze margins. As we digest the policy measures set out in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement , it’s worth remembering that we also look to the agri-food supply chain and Europe’s policy makers for positive signals when it comes to investing in our farms & planning for the long term.
NFU kicks off its next generation policy forum
Key issues facing the future of farming were on the agenda when the newly formed NFU Next Generation Policy Forum met for the first time last week. Comprising 16 young farmers from England and Wales, the participants were selected from over 60 applications following the launch of the scheme in August. Each member was chosen because of their keen interest, passion and expertise in the industry and it is hoped their views will be a valuable contribution to long-term NFU thinking. Held at NFU headquarters in Stoneleigh Park, the meeting was chaired by NFU Vice President Gwyn Jones, and covered issues such as CAP reform & bovine Tb, as well as taking a detailed look at each different farming sector.
Agriculture part of climate change solution says NFU
As the world tries to agree on its next steps towards managing climate change in Durban, South Africa, the NFU is working with others in the industry to ensure that agriculture’s contribution to tackling the problem is recognised. The agriculture industry‘s Greenhouse Gas Action Plan is one of a range of initiatives helping farmers and growers produce more while impacting less on the environment. The plan brings together a range of voluntary actions under the same umbrella, documenting the changes that farmers are making to reduce their carbon footprint and reporting progress against the UK government’s ambitions for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Improving efficiency and productivity, storing carbon in soils and vegetation, and diversifying into low-carbon energy services are just some of the ways NFU members are helping to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions. NFU climate change adviser Dr Ceris Jones said “There isn’t much optimism that there will be a new resolution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Durban summit, but we are working with our international colleagues at COPA-COGECA (Brussels) and the World Farmers Organisation to ensure agriculture is seen as part of the solution to this major public problem”.
NFU to set up new tenants group
The NFU is setting up a new Tenants Issues Group. Members of this policy forum will work with the national and regional policy teams and NFU Officeholders to influence Government, agencies and policy makers’ decision-making. Much of this will involve responding to email consultations or discussions by telephone but meetings will also be held locally & nationally. Most importantly, working with the HQ Policy Advisor, you will offer a practical perspective on how policies and practice impacts farm businesses. The tenants’ issues group should meet in February 2012 to elect its new Chairman. If you are interested in becoming the North West representative contact Adam Briggs on 01695 554 900 or email adam.briggs@nfu.org.uk.
Sheep and Goats Annual Inventory 2011
Farmers across England can expect to receive their 2011 Sheep and Goat Annual Inventory forms at the beginning of December. The form needs to be completed to show the count on the 1st December 2011 and the completed form needs to be returned to DEFRA by the 31st December. Keeping an annual inventory in your holding register is a cross compliance requirement and failure to submit the completed form is an offence under law and may also increase the risk of farm inspection. If you do not receive a form by the middle of December then you should contact the DEFRA helpline on 08459 335577. If you require any help filling in the form contact NFU CallFirst on 0870 845 8458 or the Defra helpline.
Keeping your herd free from TB: Farmer meetings in Lancs & Cumbria
The recent TB outbreak in the Penrith area has brought into sharp focus the need for action if Cumbria and Lancashire are to remain largely free of TB. Government figures state that every time a farmer has a TB breakdown in the herd it will cost an average of £30,000. Therefore the NFU has been working with Animal Health in the region to raise awareness of TB. The intention is to highlight the cost, the implications for farmers, and the possible ways in which it can be controlled by drawing up a check-list for farmers to consider when buying stock. Two meetings have been organised to provide more details. Speakers are:
• Adam Briggs, the NFU’s expert, will provide information on the new NFU TB awareness scheme
• Ian McGrath, a farmer from Cheshire, will speak about the implications of the disease from a farmer’s perspective
• An SAC veterinary specialist will focus on the practical steps you can take on your own farm to help eradicate TB
Meetings take place Wednesday 7th December at The Hired Lad, Penrith Auction Mart & Wednesday 14th December at The Auction Cafe, Lancaster Auction Mart. Both start at 7:30pm & everyone is welcome. For info call 01695 554 900.
Don’t forget your Soil Protection Review
Farmers are reminded that they must complete a Soil Protection Review by December 31 or risk losing out on support payments, including those under the SPS. The RPA has again reported breaches of this Cross Compliance requirement – and the consequences can seriously affect your farming bottom line. In 2010 there were 80 failures under GAEC1. And while those rules cover more than just the Soil Protection Review, it was the biggest single problem reported. Of the 80 failures, 62 incurred a 5% reduction in SPS and relevant agri-environment payments, five were fined between 5% and 15% and, in two cases, the penalty was more than that. In short, failing to stay up-to-date could mean a serious sum. The SPR should not be returned to the RPA or Defra, but should be kept on the farm in case of inspection. For queries on any aspect of the review, call the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77 or email onlinehelp@defra.gsi.gov.uk
EBLEX‘s Stocktake- New Annual Costs of Production Survey
EBLEX is recruiting English beef and sheep farmers to be part of its new Stocktake annual costs of production survey. Stocktake will replace Business Pointers from next year and will involve costs of production data being taken from farms across the country to build a picture of performance & help identify good practice and where efficiencies can be made. To this end, EBLEX is looking for farmers to provide the raw data and get a free on-farm costing’s analysis to improve returns, while helping to inform the bigger industry picture. Business Pointers has been running for 10 years, with data collected via an external supplier for 400 beef and sheep enterprises. This activity is now being taken in house by EBLEX greater details to be picked out in the analysis relating to specific types of enterprise and on farm practices. On farm data collection for 2012 will start in February with participating farmers typically spending half a day putting together basic farm costs information with help from one of EBLEX’s trained regional officers. Once analysed, farmers receive a detailed report highlighting strengths and weaknesses of their business, compared to other operations in the country. Farmers can email brp@eblex.ahdb.org.uk to express their interest in taking part or alternatively send their details (name, farm name, address, postcode, telephone no) to: EBLEX BRP, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL.
Lower Alt with Crossens Pumped Drainage Flood Risk Management Strategic Plan
The Environment Agency (EA) has put together a Strategic Plan for the Alt with Crossens Review which sets out how water should be managed in the future. This is a consultation document and the EA are looking for feedback from farmers & growers. This could have a serious effect on the farmers and growers in the West Lancashire area. The consultation has been extended to the 31st January 2012. The NFU will be holding further meetings in the near future. Visit https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/re/nw/flood/alt/lower_alt_and_crossens_consultation to read the consultation and complete the feedback form. Alternatively there are hard copies available at the regional NFU office in Skelmersdale. For more info call Richard Potts on 01695 554 917.
My Story
A brand new Cbeebies programme called My Story, which aims to open up the world of history to 4-6 year olds by connecting it to someone in their own family, has been approved and is in the process of being produced.
The production team are really keen to do some episodes featuring farms, farmers and their families and are looking for someone charismatic and engaging who can retell their own life stories about farming to a member of their family circa 4-6 years of age. This person could be a parent or grandparent, sibling, or god parent - somebody who has a relationship with the child. If you would like any more details or would like to get involved call Carl Hudspith on 01695 554 900.
WHAT’S ON?
Training courses for Greater Manchester: November and December
The following courses are available to farmers in Greater Manchester at discounted rates due to RDPE funding:
- Mon 5 Dec: CS30/31 Chainsaw Operations, Felling & Processing Small Trees £368.00, 8.30am - 4pm, Dovestones Reservoir, Oldham, OL3 7NE
- Tue 6 & Wed 7 Dec Planning for Profit with Dairy Co, £150.00, 9.30am - 4pm Mecure Last Drop Village Hotel, Bolton, BL7 9PZ
- Tues 6 - Thurs 8 Dec Foot Trimming (3day) £185.25, 10am - 3.30pm, Oldham - Ring Farmskills to book on 01765 645893
- Thu 8 Dec, Preparation for Lambing £58.25, 10am - 3.30pm Bolton - Ring Farmskills to book on 01765 645893
For more information contact Ella Trickett at Myerscough College on 01995 642222, Ext: 2208
Wind Turbine Day – Tuesday 6th December, Wigton, Cumbria
A wind turbine open day is being held by Myriad CEG in Wigton, Cumbria on Tuesday 6th December. Visitors can drop in at any time between 10am till 3pm. This is being held at the site of an 11kW Gaia wind turbine, however the event will focus on a range of turbines from 11kW to 250kW. Farmers can see the turbine close up and speak to its owner. On hand to answer questions will be Myriad CEG Planners and Account Managers as well as representatives from Natwest Bank. The full address is Roswain Farm, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 0LZ. E-mail charlie.guthrie@myriadceg.com or call 0203 056 0873 to register an interest. Please include your name and telephone number and the 1st line of your address and postcode in any emails or messages left.
EBLEX Beef Live to Dead Event: Thursday 8th December, Clitheroe, Lancs
09:30 to 13:30 at Dunbia Sawley, Castill Laithe Abbatoir, Sawley, Nr Clitheroe, BB7 4LH. For more info call Sandra on 01904 771 211 or email sandra.wilson@eblex.ahdb.org.uk
RABI Cumbria Carol Service: Monday 12 December
There will be a Carol Service at Kendal Auction Mart on Monday 12 December, starting at 7.30 p.m. Seasonal refreshments will be available after the service. Numbers are restricted so tickets only. Tickets available from the Auction or from Kendal NFU office, £3 or £1 children 16 and under. Collection will be taken for RABI.
Reaseheath Dairy Sustainability Conference – Tuesday 13th December
The event will focus on creating and sharing value in the dairy food chain. The overall aim is to debate and explore the issues with key stakeholders (farmers, processors, retailers and government) and show positive ways forward. Speakers include Martin Evans, ASDA Dairylink Chairman, Richard Jones, Head of Dairy Policy at Defra and Mansell Raymond, NFU dairy Board Chairman. The conference starts at 9.30am and will finish around 4.30pm. It’s FREE to attend & lunch will be provided. It takes place at Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DF. To book your place call Emily Welch on 01270 616464 or email emilyw@reaseheath.ac.uk
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