BPS UPDATE: NFU seeks clarity at meeting

Despite discussion of an extension of the deadline, the NFU is encouraging members to work towards completing applications by May 15, to help ensure prompt payment.

In a meeting on Monday, Mr Smith said that those applying must be supported through the new application system as detailed knowledge of BPS is still low for many and recent changes to greening rules still need to be understood. The NFU wants our members to make correct claims, so support from the RPA is vital now.

Much land data already entered by farmers on the online system, when it worked, needs to come across to the new paper-based system, the NFU has stressed. Many farmers have already succesfully entered mapping data online and this information must not be lost.

Mr Smith also emphasised the need for clarity on the final deadline for BPS applications after the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, proposed an extension to June 15.

Defra has not yet officially confirmed the new deadline.

The meeting comes as the NFU continues to press the RPA and Defra for more detail on how the paper process will work.

Mr Smith said: "There is already a good deal of information coming out of the RPA about the new system, which the NFU will quickly digest and feed out to the membership next week. It is clear that the demands of a paper based system are very different to the now abandoned 100% digital roll out.

"Even with the possibility of an extra month to get applications in, the NFU will continue to press government to make sure there is resource available to ensure the new process is robust and fit for purpose and that on-time payments to farmers remains a top priority for government."

In a statement last week, the RPA said that farmers still need to register using the online Rural Payments service as it remains the only way for farmers and agents to begin the application process.

The statement said that so far over 80% of farmer businesses have successfully done this.

If you haven’t already registered, call the RPA on 03000 200 301.

For the latest updates and information on BPS got to our “NFU action on BPS” page.