Farmers in England who applied for an allocation from the National Reserve are currently being notified of qualification says contact Peter Bryer, consultant for the Yeovil based agricultural consultants Laurence Gould Partnership Ltd.

For successful applicants the letter merely states the value of the allocation under the awarded category, which will top up the existing reference amount. The letter fails to inform farmers of how the allocation has been calculated.

Farmers must carefully check the allocation compared to the expected value of the National Reserve allocation. If the allocation is lower than expected, farmers should write to the RPA notifying them of any concerns, stating that they wish the RPA to reassess their case.

If entitlements are received from the National Reserve or the value of entitlement has been increased by 20% or more because of an award from the National Reserve, farmers must be aware that the entitlements must be used every year for five years beginning in 2005.

The letter states that if a farmer accepts the award then no further action is necessary. If a farmer wishes to withdraw the application for an allocation from the National Reserve, Annex 2 must be completed and returned to the RPA office within 14 days of the date on the letter.