RPA starts 2012 round of payments for hill farmers

For the second year running, beef and sheep farmers working some of the most difficult terrain in England are receiving Uplands Transitional Payments (UTP) ranging from just over ’7 to nearly ’41 per hectare depending on the type and size of their land.

Figures published today (16th March) for 2012 show that the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has paid out ’4m since payments started two weeks ago (28th February), with more than 1,240 uplands farmers receiving full payments. This represents just over 72% of eligible claimants paid in the first two weeks.

RPA Operations Director Paul Caldwell said:

’We are working hard to improve our customer service and although UTP payments have got off to a good start this year, we will not lose any focus on those farmers still awaiting payment of these vitally needed funds.

’For most recipients, the payments are on top of any Single Payment Scheme (SPS) money and recognise the particular difficulties hill farmers face and the vital work they do in maintaining the English uplands and supporting rural communities in these areas."