The NFU has continued to be in contact with the RPA and Defra about member concerns around the impact of COVID-19 on a range of RDPE productivity scheme requirements. Examples raised have included:
- Farmers unable to be supplied items due to production or supply chain delays or cancellations
- Unable to get quotes or invoicing paperwork from supplier
- Items that are delivered, but not able to be to installed
The NFU continues to work with the RPA and Defra on this scheme.
Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme Round 2
As previously reported the RPA has changed the deadline for Countryside Productivity Small Grants scheme Round 2 claims, which was originally set as midnight on 31 May 2020, to midnight on 31 July 2020 due to challenges faced by farmers because of the COVID-19 situation. There are no other changes to the scheme rules.
The NFU is still encouraging farmers to claim as soon as possible.
It is important to note that by the revised deadline date, all items must be in place at the location stated in the application and operation and all the paperwork is received, before a claim can be submitted.
It is also important to remember what associated claim paperwork / photos are needed. More information on invoices, bank statements and photos can be found in Annex 5 of the Round 2 Handbook. This scheme evidence needs to be emailed to Q1BTR2NsYWltc0BycGEuZ292LnVr by 31 July 2020 at the latest. Farmers can use the claim template and supporting documents detailed in their Grant Funding Agreement.
It goes without saying that reading the scheme guidance carefully before claiming is key to successfully receiving the grant funding.
If farmers have any concerns please speak to suppliers and keep in regular contact with them and be mindful of the timeframes to get everything in place by. Equally, if farmers have any concerns or issues about meeting the new deadline date of 31 July then please email the RPA at Q1BTR0NsYWltc0BycGEuZ292LnVr or call on 03000 200 301.
Growth Programme: COVID-19 related Questions and Answers
We currently have both the remainder of Round 2 progressing as well as the RPA processing the final applications for Round 3 of this scheme.
The government recognises the significant challenges in complying with these scheme rules at this time. In order to help farmers a cross government question and answer document has been published to help farmers with this scheme, which can be found here.
If farmers have any concerns please speak to RPA via the numbers / email addresses provided within scheme communications.
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