NFU urges farmers to understand new CAP payment scheme

NFU’s series of CAP roadshows gets underway in the East Midlands, next week with a strong message from NFU to all farmers and growers: read, understand and register for the new Basic Payment Scheme.

As the next tranche of guidance for farmers was released, yesterday*, NFU’s CAP reform expert in the region, county adviser, Simon Fisher, said:

“Now is the time for farmers and growers to fully absorb details of the new schemes – BPS is different from the old SPS scheme and with those changes it is vital that everyone understands the implications and impacts on their farm business before the claim window opens next February.

“The most important step for farmers to take is to ensure they’re registered on the CAP Information Service (CAPIS), the new online information service for CAP schemes. This will allow identity verification, which will set up access into the new service and enable farmers to start checking personal and business details, mapping and eligibility for the new schemes.

“Farmers will be invited to register by RPA over the next few months and NFU strongly advises members to get this out the way before the main BPS application next spring. Going online and seeing the system in front of them will also help to familiarise themselves with the new IT, new layouts and the new schemes. This week’s guidance sets out the six steps towards registering and applying for Basic Payment Scheme 2015; when farmers receive this pack it will tell them how to complete steps 1, 2 and 3.”

Six CAP Roadshows are being held across the East Midlands from next Thursday 6 November until Thursday 27 November, as follows:

Thursday 6 November

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE: Towcestrians Sports Club, Greens Norton Road, Greens Norton, Towcester NN12 8AW – 12.30 for 1.00pm start.

DERBYSHIRE – Store ring at Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre, Agricultural Way, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1AH – 7.30pm start

Tuesday 11 November

LINCOLNSHIRE – The Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Grange de Lings, Lincoln LN2 2NA 1pm for 1.30pm start

LEICESTERSHIRE/RUTLAND – The Rutland Suite, Greetham Valley Hotel, Golf & Conference Centre, Wood Lane, Greetham, Oakham LE15 7SN – 6.30 for 7.00pm start

Thursday 27 November 2014

HOLLAND (LINCS) – The Patio Room, Springfields Exhibition Centre, Spalding PE12 6ET – 8.30am for 9.00am start.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE – President’s Suite, Newark Showground NG24 2NY – 1.30pm for 2.00pm start.