Busy farmers hit with raft of funding deadlines

Ben Compton of Bruton Knowles
Ben Compton of Bruton Knowles

Farmers are being advised to keep an eye on a series of deadlines relating to a variety of grants available through the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

Included on the list is an opportunity to submit late Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications (subject to penalties) plus the end of June deadline for Countryside Productivity Grant applications.

Experts from Bruton Knowles are however concerned that many farmers are too busy to hit these important deadlines as they focus their time and efforts on the land rather than at the desk filling out forms.

Ben Compton, one of the rural experts at Bruton Knowles says anyone who owns, farms or manages agricultural land should make sure suitable arrangements are in place or run the risk of missing out on these vital payments.

Ben said: “From the farmer’s perspective the timing for these various deadlines couldn’t be worse. This time of year is a very busy time for many.

“With milk and cereal prices very low the unfortunate thing is that for many, making sure these applications are submitted on time has implications for them making ends meet.

“It’s vitally important therefore that these applications are submitted on time and in the right way, otherwise they run the risk of losing out on payments.

“The team at Bruton Knowles is fully up to speed on all types of grants and subsidies and can help farmers make sure they don’t miss out. This year alone BPS claims made by the Bruton Knowles rural team covered a total of 9,332ha with a value to farmers in the region of £1,500,000.”

With the 15 June deadline for the BPS clearly now passed Compton is keen to highlight that a window of opportunity still exists until 10th July 2015, where farmers can still submit applications but with some penalties.

Those looking at Environmental Stewardship claims the deadline has now passed and there is just an appeals process to go through if their claim has not been submitted to date.

For those looking to submit Countryside Productivity Grant applications they have until 30 June to get the paperwork in.

Ben added: “The Countryside Productivity Grant is open to all farmers, woodland owners, foresters and other land managers and provides grants for land managers to increase profitability through technology.

“In addition the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme is being launched on 1st July and all farmers not currently in an environmental scheme should look at the possibilities that may be there under the new scheme for their individual farm”.

“Our advice is to give us a ring and we’ll guide them through all that is required making sure they comply with the minimum of fuss and disruption to their working day. The worst thing to do is to let these deadlines slip by.”