Rural Payments Agency reports improved payment system for environmental schemes
The Government agency which pays farmers for schemes to protect the environment has reported an improvement in its payment system.
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has reported figures which show almost 99 per cent of farmers' Basic Payment Scheme funding was paid before the end of February and for the first time, farmers under the Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship schemes have received a single full payment.
Government adviser branded "completely out of touch" for claim Britain does not need farmersFarmers, landowners and local residents - the volunteer groups providing 'eyes and ears' for North Yorkshire PoliceRPA chief executive Paul Caldwell said the improvements were all part of a wider improvement plan to deliver better customer service.
“We fully understand how important it is to farmers and land managers that they receive prompt payments in full and we are working tirelessly to ensure remaining payments are made as quickly as possible,” he said.
The BPS, part of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, will be replaced by the Environmental Land Management scheme.