Scottish CAP rural payments system goes live

Farmers and crofters across Scotland are being invited to register for a new “streamlined” online system for CAP rural funding.

The new system, called Rural Payments and Services, has replaced Rural Payments Online, which is no longer accepting new claims for payments.

It will deliver nearly £4bn of support to Scotland’s food, farming and rural sectors over the next five years alone.

See also: How the Scottish CAP greening rules affect your livestock farm

Scottish rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said the new Common Agricultural Policy, which was implemented on 1 January, was “radically different” to the previous policy so the online system needed a complete renewal.

He added: “Rural Payments and Services has been specifically designed to make submitting an application or claim much clearer, simpler and smarter, and I am pleased to say the system is now live and farmers and crofters are invited to register.

“My officials are writing to farmers and crofters to let them know that they are now able to register to use the system, with more information about how to go about doing that.

“By having application and claim forms, guidance and up-to-date map and boundary information all in one place, the streamlined and secure Rural Payments and Services should save our hard-working farmers and crofters time, hassle and paperwork.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to use this new system, but recognise that it may not be suitable for everyone. That is why help and advice is available from local area offices.”

Producers can register online.