19/06/12 ~ English farmers turn online to apply for SPS funding
Farmers turned in their droves to the Rural Payments Agency’s online service to apply for the 2012 Single Payment Scheme funding.
By the final 9 June deadline, more than 105,000 applications had been received, with 42,617 submitted electronically. More than a quarter (12,218) of electronic SPS applications came in from farmers and agents who were using online services for the first time.
The number of farmers using RPA’s own SPS Online service increased by 40% – from 27,600 in 2011 to 38,539 in 2012. Electronic applications from farmers using SPS Online plus other farm software packages increased by 36% from 31,376 to 42,617.
All farmers can now track the progress of their claim through to payment by registering with the online service, even if they did not apply online this year.
Justin Chamberlain, Customer Director said:
“It’s clear to us that farmers appreciate the benefits of applying for Single Payment Scheme funding online. SPS Online highlights common errors so they can be corrected before the application is submitted. Farmers and agents get an instant receipt so they know it has arrived at RPA and the system saves information for the following year. Our customers tell us it is easy and quick to use.
“Farmers who haven’t registered to use RPA online services can still register so they can track the progress of their claim online, even if they applied on paper. Once registered, they can also view their recent Claim and Entitlements statements online.”
Notes to editors
1. The Rural Payments Agency’s work helps the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to encourage a thriving farming and food sector and strong rural communities. RPA makes Common Agricultural Policy support payments, traces livestock and carries out inspections. We manage more than 40 schemes, paying farmers and traders more than £2 billion each year. To administer such a wide range of schemes and meet EU requirements we manage information on more than two million land parcels
2. Media only contact: Timma Marett, RPA Press Office, 01189 687959 timma.marett@rpa.gsi.gov.uk or Lynne Nasti on 01189 687680, lynne.nasti@rpa.gsi.gov.uk
Page published: 19 June 2012