Act early to meet payments scheme deadline
It's almost a year since details on the Basic Payment Scheme were first published in England and Wales and there have been a number of changes since, writes Jenny Layton Mills.
This year will be no exception with farmers in England able to apply online for the first time (paper forms remain too for 2016) and while the deadline of May seems like a long way off at the moment, the months are certain to fly by so it's worth planning now.
To say applying for the Basic Payment Scheme is complex is an understatement with its numerous rules, restrictions and compliance criteria.
At the moment there have been a number of changes to sections of the basic payments scheme, around elements like greening, such as the inclusion of oilseed radish (as part of a mix) as an EFA catch and/or cover crop, and that some EFA features can now be up to five metres away from arable land, rather than immediately next to it.
However, the European Commission is yet to finalise all the rules and guidance for 2016 and this is expected some time in February.
One thing is certain and that's the amount of work needed to fulfil the application process.
Many farmers are choosing to take away the hassle and allow someone like ourselves to handle the process for them, saving them a considerable amount of time and, dare we say it, frustration.
With our specialist Rural Professional service here at McCartneys, in 2015 we completed over 900 English and Welsh application forms, which included many cross-border holdings.
We work closely with farmers and have built up a good rapport with many over the years.
Our Basic Payment Team will oversee both the registration and submission of farmers' Basic Payments Scheme application online – for some farmers with a slow internet connection we know that will be a benefit in itself.
With there being so many rules to follow, there are major benefits for farmers who tap into the expertise of professionals who know all the latest rules and guidelines.
For instance, if you are not following greening rules to the letter, you could see your subsidy drop by 30 per cent.
* Jenny Layton Mills BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV is McCartneys' rural and professional chairman
