22 Jan 2009 - Ref 05/09
Latest figures, published today, show that the total value of payments made under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) for 2008 are just under £1.23 billion which is 75.2% of the estimated total fund of £1.63 billion.
Over 89,000 customers have received a full SPS payment. This represents almost 84% of the estimated total claimant population of 106,500.
This means the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has achieved the first of its formal targets of making 75% of full payments, by value, by the end of January.
The agency continues to work towards making more payments to more farmers earlier than last year, with a view to meeting its remaining formal 2008 SPS target of making 90% of full payments, by value, by the end of March 2009.
Notes to Editors
RPA is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It is the single paying agency responsible for CAP schemes in England and is responsible for administering the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). Other key services include carrying out rural inspections and livestock tracing.
Media only contact: Caroline Forcer, RPA Press Office , 0118 968 7680 caroline.forcer@rpa.gsi.gov.uk
Page published: 22 January 2009