Progress by paper after collapse of online process

After a functionality breakdown saw the Rural Payments Agency abandon its online-only application process for the new Basic Farm Payment scheme, partially filled in forms for farmers to complete their applications are now being sent out by email.

The RPA began sending the forms on Monday and they will be sent initially to everyone who has registered on the Rural Payments system. The registration process remains operational online.

Justin Chamberlain, customer director at the RPA, said: “Pre-populated Basic Payment Scheme claim forms and guidance have started landing in farmers’ and agents’ inboxes this week, giving them everything they need to now start their claim.

“BPS is a new scheme and it is vital farmers read the guidance on how to apply.

“A range of support is available to help farmers with their applications. No farmer should be more than 30 miles from a support centre and we also have mobile support units to bring the service to areas where it is needed most.

“Although the deadline is now 15 June 2015, we continue to advise farmers to get their claim started as early as they can so that they can access any support they may need.”

Farmers can drop in to one of 50 support centres set up by the RPA across the country to hand in application forms and any supporting documents.

The original deadline for submitting applications has been extended by a month, to June 15, with payments due to be made from December.

Farmers who need help to register on the Rural Payments system or more detailed support with their application need to make an appointment at a support centre by calling the RPA on 03000 200 301.