RPA breaks record for December SFPs
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has recorded a record-breaking performance in delivering single farm payments to farmers this December.
By the end of the month, more than 99,200 farmers – 95.9% of eligible claimants – had received their share of £1.581bn of single farm payments, or 95% of the total estimated funding allocation.
In a written ministerial statement to the House of Commons, farm minister George Eustice praised the government agency for building on its recent improved performance.
“In a critical and challenging period, the RPA continues to build on the huge progress made over recent years to support farmers and food producers and boost rural economies,” he said.
RPA chief executive Mark Grimshaw said: “Our people pulled out all the stops to deliver another record-breaking performance on SPS 2013 payments for December. We are now working hard to finalise those claims that remain unpaid.
“Many of these are awaiting further clarification or information from claimants and I would urge farmers in this position to get back to us as soon as possible so we may make their payment.”
In its Business Plan 2013-14, the government agency had committed to pay 86% of payments by value and 93% of customers by number by 31 December 2013.
The RPA makes common agricultural policy (CAP) support payments, traces livestock and carries out farm inspections. It manages more than 40 schemes, paying farmers and traders more than £2bn each year.