Experts warn over changes to subsidy scheme for farmers

In January next year the current Single Payment Scheme will be replaced with the new Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

As part of the new scheme, there will be new ‘greening’ rules which applicants must follow in order to be eligible for a greening payment which is worth 30 per cent of the total BPS payment.

But many farmers are still unaware the greening requirement is not optional, Angela Cantrill, senior surveyor at Much Wenlock-based Madeleys Chartered Surveyors said.

And they potentially risk losing part or even all of their greening allowance if they don’t comply.

The new direct BPS payment will be made up of a basic payment and the 30 per cent payment for greening – which recognises the contribution of farms to the environment. Greening will be applicable to most farmers, although there are certain exemptions.

Under the rules, applicants must ensure five per cent of their land is set aside for environmental purposes.

Mrs Cantrill, who is a qualified member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, .said: “The changes to the Basic Payment Scheme are being introduced at the beginning of next year and as part of the BPS there will be new greening rules.

“We want to make claimants aware that the new greening rules are compulsory.

“Applicants to the Basic Payment Scheme need to comply with these new greening arrangements and the requirements of the Basic Payment or they potentially risk missing out on part or all of their greening and basic payment.

“It is important that anyone wanting to claim BPS should start thinking about the greening rules now just in case they need to change anything.

“We understand that the changes can often cause confusion, but we are keen to make applicants aware the greening rules are not optional or they could really lose out and that is something we don’t want to see happen.

“We can provide any advice needed with regards to the Basic Payment Scheme to ensure applicants are fully informed about what they need to do.”

There will be three greening rules which cover permanent grassland, crop diversification and ecological focus areas, added Mrs Cantrill.