Changes to the Single Payment Scheme

The new minimum claim size for the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and other direct farm payments has been set.

The decision follows the completion of a consultation exercise covering the CAP Health Check reforms relating to these payments.

After full consideration of the consultation responses and discussion with industry, it has been decided that the new minimum claim size will be set at one hectare.

This will apply to a farmer's total claim for SPS, Area Payment for Nuts and Protein Crop Premium from the 2010 scheme year.

Announcing the new minimum claim size today, Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said:

"By setting the minimum claim size at one hectare, the lowest area allowed by the EU, we have minimised the amount of change for farmers and ensured that as many farmers as possible will be able to claim.

"Ultimately, we want to see more reform of the CAP, so that it rewards farmers for the public benefits they provide.  This includes looking after the environment, something which the market alone cannot reward."

SPS payments are administered by the Rural Payments Agency. For more information on the new minimum claim size, please visit www.rpa.gov.uk

Defra Press Release

← Back to the Rural Kent News Index

This Autumn 2009 News artile was created on 22nd September 2009

Directory

Upcoming Events