The 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is now open for applications, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) announced today.
By applying online through the Rural Payments service, farmers and agents can check and update existing personal and business details, as well as view and transfer land and entitlements.
"Last year a record 80% of applications were received online and we hope to increase this figure for 2017," said RPA interim chief executive Paul Caldwell.
"Help and support in applying for BPS is available every step of the way through our online guidance or at the end of the phone.
From today, farmers and agents can complete their declarations and confirm all information before submitting their completed application online.
The application deadline for BPS 2017 is midnight on 15 May 2017.
Boots on the ground
The NFU has been putting boots on the ground with a series of meetings for farmers surrounding BPS 2017 payments.
The meetings kicked off in the North East on 14 February. The NFU’s BPS experts will be on hand across the regions to update what is new and explain the changes.
The team will talk through the BPS 2017 application process and also provide members with the latest news about remaining 2015 and 2016 payments.
Guy Smith, NFU Vice President, said: “Although things are improving from a very bad start, we know that for most members the BPS experience has been less than smooth or easy.
“Our survey shows 10% still feel they have unresolved issues going back to 2015, while many more are thinking of using agents.
“Our aim with both our support and our lobbying is always to make BPS as farmer friendly as possible. I'd thoroughly recommend our roadshows as a way to boost a bit of BPS self-confidence and to hear what we've been doing as we approach the 2017 application window.”
