MAFF extends hill payment deadline
16 February 2001
MAFF extends hill payment deadline
By Isabel Davies
THE government has bowed to pressure and extended the deadline for farmers to prove that they are eligible for the new Hill Farm Allowances.
The deadline has been extended from mid-February to 28 February.
Earlier this week, the National Farmers Union wrote to the government asking for the timetable for implementing the new scheme to be revised.
The Ministry of Agriculture must not under-estimate the confusion among producers about the new scheme, wrote NFU president Ben Gill.
Many producers had panicked after receiving a letter in January from their local MAFF office which said they appeared to ineligible for payments.
The letter explained that on the basis of the information MAFF had on its computer system, they fell below the minimum stocking density requirement.
Farmers were asked for additional information relevant to possible claims – including any extra stock kept on the farm and agri-environment agreements.
MAFF has since agreed that farmers may also qualify for payment if they are eligible for extensification payments.