We’ve had a successful series of BPS meetings in the region this week at Northampton, Oakham and Newark. Two more dates are Lincoln at 9.00am and Spalding at 2.00pm on Friday 23 March.
Those who complete paper forms they should receive those by the end of March. If you have not had it by then please chase the RPA.
Blogs are the trendy innovation and the RPA are at it as well. There is a new post, “Everything you need to apply is now online” that has just been published on the Rural payments blog. Read the new post.
One immediate issue is numerous reports about the quality of the RPA mapping around hedges. The RPA has introduced a so called “hedge control layer” for online maps in order for farmers to use that data to help them comply with their 5% EFA greening requirement. Some of you might need hedges for EFA after your peas and beans no longer qualify due to the ban on spraying. Issues now apparent include hedges not recognised or other boundaries being shown as a hedge when they are not (like a wall). Hedges used for EFA in 2017 not showing. No hedge layer button in the land viewer. No assistance from RPA call centre to resolve issues.
NFU have lobbied today for immediate improvement and as a result of that the RPA are currently working up further guidance, we have seen an early draft so it is being written. Please watch out for announcements on this if you need hedges for your 2018 EFA.
If members have questions about BPS 2018, please don’t forget that NFU CallFirst is there to help. Ring 0370 845 8458. Just another valuable service to help members and included in your membership subscription.