Written by Rachel Martin
Farmers and land managers in England and Wales now have until June 15 to apply for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and to claim funding for their environmental and woodland work under other schemes.
The Government has confirmed the window to submit applications for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and make a claim for Countryside Stewardship (CS), Environmental Stewardship (ES) and woodland legacy revenue payments will be extended by one month.
It gives farmers and their agents an extra month to submit applications and claims, helping them to avoid penalties for late applications.
Farmers and land managers are still encouraged to submit claims and applications as soon as they are able to, with a large number already received by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
Applications for new CS Higher Tier and Mid Tier agreements are still being accepted ahead of their respective deadlines of May 1 and July 31, 2020.
The RPA will continue to monitor the situation carefully and consider if further measures are needed to support farmers.
No extension has been made yet in Northern Ireland or Scotland. Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture Edwin Poots warned that if applications are delayed, payments will be too.
Rural Payments Agency chief executive Paul Caldwell said: “We’re fully focused on making vital payments to the rural community and helping customers submit their claims and applications during this difficult time.
“I would urge farmers and their agents to complete their applications and claims as soon as they are able to, using the Rural Payments Service in the first instance.
“In addition, the period for amending your claim without penalty has also been extended to June 30, 2020, with final submission of applications and claims now to be with the RPA by July 10, 2020.”
Natural England and Forestry Commission staff are continuing to provide advice by phone or video call for land managers developing Higher Tier applications in time for the May 1 application deadline, so that schemes can be progressed in the absence of a site visit.
An off-farm advice programme is available for Mid Tier applicants, whereby applicants can contact an adviser and book a clinic session.
Vigilance against fraud
Applicants are urged to be cautious about what information you share externally, particularly on social media.
RPA will not call you or send you emails or texts asking you to confirm your personal details or payment information.
If you suspect an attempted fraud or feel you have been the subject of fraud, you can contact RPA’s Fraud Referral Team on: 0800-347-347; or via email on: [email protected].
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