Deadline same despite trouble
FARMERS NEED to start filling in their single farm payment application forms because the deadline for their return remains May 16 despite current problems.
A Rural Payments Agency spokeswoman urged farmers not to leave the forms until the last minute.
“Open those envelopes up and get your form in as soon as possible,” she said.
The RPA has stressed that the 16 May is a regulatory deadline and must be observed if late submission penalties are to be avoided.
“Late applications will be accepted up to 10 June 2005 but will be subject to substantial late claim penalties. Applications received after 10 June will be rejected.”
The message to get on with filling in the forms has also been repeated by the NFU.
President Tim Bennett said: “It is vitally important that these forms are submitted by the 16 May deadline. This is a one-off opportunity for farmers to establish entitlements under the new SPS.”
“There are many issues that the NFU is still pursuing with DEFRA/RPA, including the issue of the SPS payment timetable and advance payments. However, the key issue for producers is to get the forms in.”
“Producers who have not received an application pack from the RPA should contact the RPA customer service centre on 0845 603 7777 if they have not already done so.”