Defra must keep promises on RPA – NFU

He said the report was long overdue, and it was now vital Defra and the RPA drew a line under its problems as quickly as possible and worked to sort out SPS payment delays as well as the ongoing mapping problems which have caused headaches for farmers throughout England.

He said: “Experience over the last six years tells me it is a tall order, but Defra and the RPA must get to the bottom of issues affecting wrong claims and incorrect data. Not just so that European fines are avoided in the future, but because of the stress caused to farmers by the constant re-working of their claims and the uncertainty that brings.

“It is vital that we get a line drawn under the mess of the past as soon as possible, but what we don’t want are more over-optimistic promises and deadlines that aren’t, and can’t be, met. Defra and the RPA must now knuckle-down and do everything that is needed to get the payment system onto an even keel.

“It is going to take a lot of hard work and resources but it is essential that the RPA’s re-mapping problems are resolved too, and quickly. If they aren’t, the knock-on effects will be serious.

“There is no doubt the RPA faces a tough time in meeting payments targets this year but I am pleased to see the Government is saying that the RPA is on target so far.” 

Mr Kendall also praised farming Minister Jim Paice for sticking to his pre-election promise to chair the RPA Oversight board and take personal responsibility for the agency.

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