THE Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has exceeded its end of March 2014 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) target more than two months ahead of schedule.

By Wednesday, January 28, the Agency had paid almost £1.46bn to nearly 100,000 farmers in England – figures which represent 98.4 per cent of eligible farmers and 97.3 per cent of the total amount.

In its 2014-2015 Business Plan, the RPA had set targets for 97 per cent of both customers and funds to be paid by March 31 this year.

George Eustice, Farming Minister, said: "Our farming industry is at the heart of the government’s long-term economic plan, so I am pleased that the RPA has ensured that almost all farmers have already received their CAP payments, almost two months ahead of schedule.

“I am determined that the RPA’s good progress is maintained as we move to the new Basic Payment Scheme, and we are working to ensure the claim process is as simple as possible for farmers on the new digital service called Rural Payments.”

Mark Grimshaw, RPA chief executive, said they were delighted with their performance but would not rest on their laurels.

He said: “Our focus now is on ensuring all those farmers who remain unpaid, especially those who supply to First Milk, get their money as soon as possible. We know how vital these payments are to farm businesses.

“We remain committed to offering the best service possible to farmers on existing schemes while preparing to deliver on new policies and a new Rural Payments service."

Mr Grimshaw urged farmers wanting to get their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money as early as possible next year should get online and registered for the new service as soon as possible.

"That also applies to existing SPS customers, who need to be aware that although their details will be transferred across, they still need to go in and register on the new service," he said.