We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Kendall voices discontent over Single Payment Scheme
PETER Kendall, NFU president, met with Defra on Monday (August 4) to express his discontent over the way the Single Payment Scheme is being managed.
Mr Kendall told Jim Fitzpatrick, farm minister, he was disappointed that performance was lagging behind the rest of Europe after five years of the SPS.
He said Defra had undermined confidence in the industry by setting the same targets for SPS2009 delivery as were in place for SPS2008 – that is, to have paid 75 per cent of SPS claims by January 31, 2010 and 90 per cent by March 31, 2010.
“With severe financial problems and other commodity pressures being experienced by former Dairy Farmers of Britain milk producers, and pressures generally on milk prices, these targets do not give confidence to businesses planning ahead when credit is an issue,” he said.
He also criticised the Agency for leaving hundreds of farmers without their 2008 payment.
“With the threat from the CAP Health Check to bar correction of entitlements post January 1, 2010, farmers still waiting for money from their 2008 claim needed to be sorted out well before 2009 payments started,” he said.
Tony Cooper, chief executive of the RPA, said he was doing all that he could to correct the system to allow for a smooth-running future.
“We are striving to improve performance and levels of service as much as possible, this includes finalising the small number of 2008 Single Payment Scheme claims not yet fully paid,” he said.
The current RLR mapping update was the third serious concern Mr Kendall raised with the Minister, especially for farmers wishing to enter agro-environment schemes.
“We are worried that there are still situations where new RLR mapping is going to cause significant problems to farmers and growers and we urge Natural England as a matter of urgency to work with the RPA to allow those wishing to enter into ELS and the forthcoming UELS agreements not to need marker posts, by improving the capability of the Natural England software,” he said.
Jim Fitzpatrick, farming minister, he would keep a close eye on the RPA’s progress but he urged farmers to play their part too.
“I encourage all farmers who have already received their maps to either confirm they’re correct or return them with the required amendments shown so that they can be processed speedily.”
RPA mapping update seminars for farmers
RPA has announced two free seminars for farmers to ask questions and understand more about the mapping update exercise on Tuesday, August 18 at Newark Showground and Thursday, August 20 at Wincanton Racecourse. Book a place by e-mailing farmerfocus@rpa.gsi.gov.uk or calling 0845 603 7777. Farmers can also drop in on RPA on Monday, August 17 at Ross-on-Wye livestock market and Wednesday, August 19 at Worcester and Newark livestock markets.
