THE Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has teamed up with Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS) to pioneer a new approach to helping farmers get online to claim rural payments.

The team developing the new system for claiming the payments have trained UTASS staff on what the service offers and the registration process for farmers and agents.

The initiative is part of the Agency’s work to help farmers overcome barriers they may face to go online.

Justin Chamberlain, customer director, said: “We are working with Defra to build a new online service which makes it as easy as possible for farmers to get their money. However, we recognise some farmers, especially those living in remote rural communities, have concerns about getting online to make Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications.

“This may be because of limited access to a computer, a lack of technical know-how or inability to access the internet."

The RPA has been contacting farmers who are not registered with them online to find out why and see what help they can give to allow them to do so.

“We are now working with charities, community groups and farming organisations, such as the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Service, to help prepare them to provide support to farmers,” said Mr Chamberlain.

The Agency will also shortly be opening support centres across the country where farmers will be able to make an appointment with an adviser to help them get online.

Richard Betton, a farmers' liaison officer for UTASS said: “I am now registered to use the new service myself and the information we’ve received is enabling us to prepare to help our members through the process.”

Farmers are expected to be invited to register on the new system early in the New Year. Anyone who thinks they will need help to get online should call 03456 037 777.