Single payment seminar kicks off

Farmers will be able to find out directly how to apply to the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) as a DEFRA/RPA seminar tours the length and breadth of England. The SPS is the biggest change facing farmers in 30 years. Sixteen locations3 across the country will be visited by policy experts from DEFRA and the Rural Payments Agency.

The format for the events will include short presentations on the Single Payment Scheme together with details of the application form and how to apply. Question and answer sessions where farmers' concerns will be addressed will be an important feature.

Demand is expected to be heavy and places for the event, one per farm, will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Farmers wishing to attend should telephone 0870 043 4109 to book their place, or they can register on-line at www.keystone-group.co.uk/SPS Entrance will be by ticket only.

Lord Whitty, Food & Farming Minister, said:

"This is the biggest change in agriculture in the last 30 years and our objective is to make sure that farmers know how the Single Payment Scheme will work in practice. This is an ideal opportunity for farmers in the area to have their questions answered. I'd urge those involved in the industry to take this opportunity to find out directly how the scheme will work."