The Scottish Government has fallen well short of its own target to pay the majority of first instalments of the BPS by the end of January. Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead, has confirmed that around 5,000 farmers have received payment, out of an estimated claimant population of 18,000. This is less than 30%. Whilst payments […]
It was hoped that the IT problems that dogged 2015 BPS applications would not reappear this year. However, worries are starting to increase. The Agent Bulletin – ‘Helping the rural community prepare for BPS 2016′ received just before Christmas seemed hopeful. But having seen the ‘demonstration’ at LAMMA, the online version seems a long way […]
In England as of 19th January, the RPA had made payments to around 57,700 businesses. This is approximately two thirds of all claimants and takes the total payments made to £779 million. It appears some claimants have been contacted as they are not registered on the Rural Payments System. Payments can only be made to […]
England The RPA has announced it has (just) met its commitment to the majority of eligible claimants by the end of December. The latest statistics show that 44,400 farmers, almost 51% of all claimants have been paid, amounting to just under £425 million. Although the RPA claimed they were not just paying the smaller, straightforward […]
At the halfway point of the campaign, British Sugar (BS) has released details so far for the 2015 crop. Both yields and sugar contents look strong – the unseasonably mild weather has seen the crop continue to grow during the autumn and early winter. Average yields for the four factories range from 68-78 tonnes per […]
The Scottish Government has announced that they are ‘on track’ with payments. The first payments will be made during December with about 25% of farmers being paid before Christmas. The first installment will be at least 70% of the total payment with the second installment expected in April. All claimants should receive their first installment […]
Farmers affected by the recent flooding in Cumbria and north Lancashire will be eligible for up to £20,000 of support. The Farming Recovery Fund will provide grants for restoring productive grass and arable land, restoring vehicle access and repairing drainage systems. Those who wish to claim are advised to contact the Rural Services helpline on […]
Applicants to Countryside Stewardship (CSS) may have to start the scheme without having an agreement in place. Natural England had been aiming to issue all agreement offers during December ready for the 1st January 2016 start date but this will now not be possible. Letters will be sent out to applicants during the first week […]
The RPA is sending out a leaflet updating BPS claimants on their progress and what happens next. During October the RPA have been working on entitlement and land transfers submitted via RLE1. The RPA will confirm when transfers have been complete. Going forward, in November, the payment rates will be announced and anyone who applied […]
The LEADER programme in England got its official launch on the 14th October with £138m funding available to create more jobs and boost the rural economy. Grants will be awarded through each of the 80 Local Action Groups (LAGs) who have all been allocated their proportion of the £138m. Applications are competitive and all projects must […]