Farmers and landowners in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly should take action now to secure their share of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) funding, according to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

RPA research shows that as of 2 April 2015, almost 3,200 farmers in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have registered on the Rural Payments online system but over 660 have not. The RPA is calling on rural communities to spread the word locally to ensure no-one in their area misses out. Although the deadline for submission of claims has been extended to 15 June, the Agency is still urging farmers to start their claims as early as possible, especially if they are likely to need help.

All Rural Payments Agency customers will still need to register on the Rural Payments online system to claim for BPS this year even if they claimed under the old Single Payment Scheme. Anyone already registered with the RPA, but not registered on the Rural Payments service, can go to www.GOV.UK/rural-payments and follow the instructions on the screen.

Anyone not registered with the RPA will need to verify their identity on GOV.UK Verify or by calling the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301.

After they’ve verified their identity, they can log in to Rural Payments to register their personal and business details and give any permission for others, e.g. a farm agent, to act on their behalf.

Anyone who thinks they may need support in making their claim should ring the Rural Payments helpline. There is also lots of helpful guidance online at GOV.UK including blank BPS claim forms (BP5) to help farmers prepare to make their claim before they receive their pre-populated BP5 forms via e-mail; the RLE1 form for changes to, and transfers of, land and entitlements; and land use codes for 2015 claims.

Visit www.gov.uk/rpa/bps or call the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301 for more information.