The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will have mobile support units at the following upcoming farming events:
- Cereals, Boothby Graffoe, Nr Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 0AS from 10-11 June 2015 (stand 910)
- Royal Three Counties, Malvern, The Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW from 12-14 June 2015
- National Sheep Association’s Sheep South West, Higher Nichols Nymet, North Tawton, EX20 2BP on 16 June 2015
Farmers planning to attend these events can hand in their BP5 application forms, RLE1 forms and any other documents. The RPA can give forms a basic check to make sure they are completed and signed. A receipt will be provided.
RPA Customer Director Justin Chamberlain said: “Our priority is to ensure farmers get the support they need to complete their BPS applications and bringing mobile support units to these events is part of a range of support we have available to farmers. With the BPS deadline approaching I would encourage farmers to make the most of the opportunity to hand in their completed applications as soon as possible.”
Alongside the RPA, Natural England advisers will be at Cereals and Sheep South West to help farmers with any queries about Environmental Stewardship agreements and to answer questions about the new Countryside Stewardship scheme.
Natural England’s local Catchment Sensitive Farming team will be on hand with free advice and guidance that can improve farm efficiency and at the same time bring environmental improvement by preventing diffuse farm pollution.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will also be at Sheep South West to engage with the livestock industry to raise awareness of animal disease threats including their free disease alert subscription, and methods of disease control and biosecurity. It is also an opportunity to discuss APHA work and services, and animal health or welfare issues.
The RPA has also extended the opening hours of most of its 50 drop-in centres across the country where farmers can hand in their BPS forms and get help to register. You must book an appointment if you need help to register online or if you’re an agent with 5 or more claims
