Over 3,000 farmers and growers are still waiting for their Basic Payment Scheme income from the EU according to the National Farmers' Union.
The union say the Rural Payment Agency’s (RPA) lack of payment to the farmers is causing cash flow pressures and leaving them unable to plan properly.
NFU vice president Stuart Roberts said that there are even still some back payments dating back to 2015.
“The NFU has repeatedly and consistently raised concerns with the RPA over the progress and delivery of BPS payments, which are key in managing farm businesses,” Roberts said.
“Of particular concern are those farmers who have had to endure additional costs caused by some of the worst weather in recent years. We have asked the RPA what more can be done to get affected farmers payments out of the door as soon as possible.”
He added that farmers should never have to resort to bridging payments from the government, suggesting they have increased since last year.
“We should never be reaching the point where bridging payments become necessary. The NFU is concerned that the number of bridging payments issued by the RPA may be more than last year, if payment performance does not pick up in March,” said Roberts.
“We’re also urging the RPA to clear all outstanding cases, with some dating back as long as 2015. This needs completing as soon as possible to enable an efficient and improved service for 2018.”
As of 28 February 2018, BPS 2017 payments worth £1.59 billion have been made to 81,000 (95.5%) farmers in England. The payments, which come from the EU are distributed by the RPA each year to farmers who applied.
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