Farmers warned over basic payment applications

Farmers are being encouraged to get their CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) Basic Payment application in on time.

It comes after the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), which manages the new CAP Basic Payment, confirmed that it has sent all of the pre-populated application forms to the 154,000 eligible farmers in the UK.

The new system is now a compulsory requirement for all applicants and allows them to map land, submit annual claims and alter personal and business details. Farmers in England and Scotland now have until the 15 June to complete the online form and send it back to the RPA.

Unfortunately, the deadline for Wales and Ireland has passed (15 May 2015) and those that have failed to file their forms in time may lose out.

Paul Laird, Director at The Fish Partnership and an expert in the field of farm finances, said: “I am urging all farmers to immediately seek help if they are unsure of how to complete the forms or have queries about any of the prepopulated information they have received.

“It is still not too late to complete the form, but failing to hit your deadline could have serious repercussions on your farm’s finances.”

Paul is also reminding farmers who have not received their form, either by email or post, to contact the RPA helpline on 0300 0200 301. Forms can be printed out and posted within 48 hours.