NFU despair as RPA chaos rolls on

The chief executive of the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) Tony Cooper, today gave no clear idea of when 2006 single payments are likely to be made. Addressing the NFU Council, he warned it could be another "18 months to two years" before the RPA is in a position to provide an acceptable level of service.

NFU President, Peter Kendall, said: "What we have heard today confirms our worst fears. Yet again, the farming industry is being made to pay the price for a diabolical political decision delivered in an unrealistic timescale.

"The gap between English farmers and our near neighbours is becoming ever wider, with the Irish & French paying 50% advances ahead of the payment window and the Welsh scheduled to make full payments in December.

"The government must act quickly and decisively to ensure early payments reach English farmers. If full payments cannot be made, and it seems they can't, then ministers must authorise substantial part payments for early in the payment window and communicate that decision as a matter of urgency.

"Above all, when David Miliband makes his promised statement in the House of Commons in November, he must provide clarity on what farmers are likely to receive and when. Both farmers and the businesses who supply them desperately need to be able to plan their cash-flows.

"The Secretary of State has made much of wanting a competitive and vibrant farming industry. We have had more than enough apologies. What we need now is clarity and action to allow farmers to plan for the future."