SPECIALIST staff from the NFU stage four regional meetings next week to help farmers prepare for the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

Anna Logan, the NFU’s national BPS adviser, will explain changes to this year’s application process and give a detailed update on outstanding payments and issues related to BPS 2015 and 2016.

James Mills, NFU county adviser, said: “Nationally, an NFU survey has shown that ten per cent of people feel they have unresolved issues – some of them going back to year one of BPS.

“In the region, we still have people waiting for payment from last year – and we have a lot of commons graziers whose applications have been very delayed – so it’s understandable that they want as much clarity as possible going into the new application year.”

Mr Mills said the NFU had done a lot to help resolve BPS problems. As a result this year, farmers could expect speedier payments, closer to the December 1 payment window; the arrival of a 2016 BPS statement ahead of the next payment window opening; clearer and more frequent communication from the Rural Payments Agency; reintroduction of RPA individual case workers; and enhanced entitlement statements, now online.

He said: “Anyone who has received an inaccurate payment must raise this with the RPA and it’s worth remembering that hardship payments are available for people facing severe cash flow difficulties – this can be pursued with assistance from your NFU county adviser.

“For 2017, online application remains the Government’s preferred route for farmers to take.

“However, thanks to NFU lobbying, those without internet access can request a paper form – although these will arrive without any pre-populated data from previous claims.

“Anyone using the online route is urged to check that all land parcels are accounted for in pre-populated data and that their entitlements all tally.

“The ‘greening’ requirement remains at five per cent of a farm’s arable area, however we are advising members to err on the side of caution to avoid the risk of a later non-compliance failure.

“Our aim with both our support and our lobbying is to make BPS as farmer-friendly as possible. Our roadshow meetings are designed to boost farmer confidence as they approach the application window.”

The events are on Tuesday at Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, at 9am and the Holiday Inn/A66 Scotch Corner at 7pm.

On Wednesday, they are at The Bridge, Walshford, near Wetherby, at 8.30am and Pickering Memorial Hall at 1pm.

Open to NFU members, places can be booked on 01904 451550 or email north.east@nfu.org.uk.