BPS claims deadline rapidly approaching

Farmers are being urged to submit claims for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2020 as the deadline is looming.

The government announced in April that it wold extend the deadline from 15^th May to 15^th June in light of disruptions caused by Covid-19.

Speaking at Cereals LIVE, farming minister Victoria Prentis said: “I understand how important the payments for these schemes are to you all so I would urge you to get your applications claims into the Rural Payments Agency before the window closes on 15^th June.

“Any new applicants for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme have to be in by the 31^st July in order to be processed. We’ve also extended deadline to the end of July for submitting claims to the Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme.”

NFU BPS adviser Richard Wordsworth is advising farmers to get the application in ahead of the deadline and give yourself time to check the details are correct:

“I would urge you to get your BPS claim submitted as soon as possible if you have not done so to date. This will benefit both you and other claimants as the simple fact is it gives the RPA more time to process your claim this year ahead of the payment window opening in December.”

To help support farmers in the lead up to the 15^th June deadline, the RPA helpline (03000 200 301) will be open on Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th June from 8.30am-2pm.

For further information on:

BPS scheme: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bps-2020

Countryside Stewardship: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/countryside-stewardship

Environmental Stewardship: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/environmental-stewardship-guidance-and-forms-for-existing-agreement-holders