SPS policy update for England

All Single Payment Scheme applicants in England should soon receive

SPS Information for Farmers and Growers, October 2005 Update - the latest in a series of brochures detailing the policy underpinning the SPS and giving information on how it will be implemented.

The update meets requests from farmers for further guidance on important issues such as transfers of entitlements and calculating set-aside from 2006 onwards.

It also includes information that may be particularly relevant to growers of short rotation coppice and Miscanthus or other permanent crops grown on set-aside for non-food uses. These growers have until 16 December to amend their SPS application forms, to take advantage of recent changes to the eligibility rules for claiming the Single Payment on land growing permanent crops, multi-annual crops and energy crops. They should read the guidance in the brochure, and if they wish to make an amendment, contact the Customer Service Centre on 0845 603 7777 or visit www.rpa.gov.uk

The update also provides information on transfers of entitlements and calculating set-aside from 2006 onwards. Accompanying this publication is the Farm Business Advice Service (FBAS) flyer informing farmers about their "knowing your options" service.