Somerset’s farming leaders are calling on Environment Secretary Liz Truss to ensure that the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) which distributes Common Agricultural Policy payments to farmers is made fit for purpose after a disastrous 2015.

The 2015 payment round was beset with difficulties from the beginning, when the RPA attempted to introduce an ‘online only’ application policy, which was quickly abandoned in the face of considerable computer problems.

Many farmers across the region, in particular those from uplands areas like Exmoor, have found BPS payments have not arrived, or that penalties have been incorrectly deducted from what they have received.

Speaking on the eve of the Royal Bath & West Show, Somerset NFU county chairman James Miller said it was vital that the impact delayed BPS payments had on farmers was not forgotten.

“Not receiving your BPS payment when you expect it can add a lot of pressure to a farm business which may already be struggling to cope with the price volatility which is currently affecting the industry.

“There are all kinds of additional costs involved, which might include having to pay for additional advice or increased borrowing or overdraft charges – not to mention the stress of having to deal with the situation.”

Mr Miller said farmers were now looking to Ms Truss to get the situation sorted out.

“We are currently in a situation where farmers have had to make their 2016 applications with many of the problems from 2015 still hanging over them and that is not acceptable.

“Farms are the bedrock of the rural economy, with many other businesses depending on a profitable farming sector for their survival – when farmers get their BPS money they spend it on things like machinery and animal feed so it is vital we get the situation sorted out.

“We need immediate improvements to be made to what has been, quite frankly, a deeply flawed process.”

At the show the NFU marquee will be in its regular place beside the main ring (stand 566) offering members the usual hospitality, with a complimentary light lunch being served each day from 12.30pm (donations for RABI).

NFU President Meurig Raymond will be at the show during the afternoon of Wednesday 1 and on Thursday 2 June.

Notes to editors:

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The NFU is the voice of British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members.