The NFU is asking for members to come forward, by calling CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 if they have not yet received confirmation from the RPA of their application for the Farming Recovery Fund (FRF) being processed.
The RPA will write to inform you if they have approved your application for funding. This confirmation cover letter will be sent with two copies of a legal Grant Funding Agreement. For more information on what happens when your Farming Recovery Fund application has been processed, see the NFU’s further guidance (membership password required).
The FRF guidance had outlined that the RPA would try to process applications within 10 working days of receiving a complete application form. The deadline for applications was 1st April 2016. The NFU became aware, after speaking to its members, that a signification proportion had not had not had their applications processed by the RPA one month after the deadline for applications had passed.
After continued lobbying by the NFU, the RPA messaged all farmers on May 5th who had applied for the FRF and had not yet had their application processed. The email stated that changes to the processing of applications ‘will enable [the RPA] to provide the majority of decisions by the end of May 2016’.
The NFU is aware that in some circumstances, applications may be processed later than the end of May, if the RPA has had to go back to the applicant for further information. Contact the RPA (ZnJmQHJwYS5nc2kuZ292LnVr) if you have particular points to clarify with your application.
The NFU is therefore interested in understanding whether most applications have now been processed. Please call CallFirst on 0370 845 8458