Shropshire farmers need to re-register for subsidies

The new regulation is part of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) which will replace the current Single Payment Scheme in January 2015.

Farmers need to have registered themselves and the rural surveyors acting on their behalf in an online system before the scheme comes into force.

But Angela Cantrill, senior surveyor at Much Wenlock-based Madeleys Chartered Surveyors, said many farmers are older or farm in rural areas with no broadband – which could pose major issues for them.

The registration process was revealed at a Central Association of Agricultural Valuers seminar on Wednesday 23 July where members were told the online system will open for registration in November.

“The process involves registering themselves, proving identity, and authorising any land agent to act on their behalf,” said Mrs Cantrill.

“This is a huge change and many farmers will find it difficult if they do not prepare in advance. They need to start thinking about how and when they are going to register.

“For those with no access to broadband or who struggle with the internet as a whole, they need to be asking for help as soon as possible.

“And there are also other things that farmers need to be thinking about in their preparation for this new scheme, including how they run the business.”

From January farmers need to meet the ‘active farmer’ criteria and ensure the majority of their income is from farming rather than property or land they let out for other uses.

“Farmers need to be aware of how their business structure may impact on the right to receive the payment,” added Mrs Cantrill. “If the structure needs to be altered then time is of the essence because they only have a few months to do it.”

Nearly all farmers will currently claim for agricultural subsidies, along with those who own small amounts of land such as pony paddocks. Under the new scheme those with less than five hectares of land will not be able to claim and those who currently hold entitlements need to sell them or make other arrangements to be able to retain their entitlements.