FARMERS are being invited to meetings to learn about a new way to claim EU subsidies.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) have organised two meetings later this month to give out information and advice on the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), which replaces the Single Payment Scheme.
The meetings will cover the BPS online registration process, on-going mapping issues, the Young Farmer Scheme and new Defra schemes, including water quality and boundary capital grant schemes.
Jane Le Cocq, the Authority’s farm conservation adviser, said: “The new scheme is a big change for farmers, especially those who have little or no experience of using computers or who don’t have access to broadband, and we are staging these meetings to help them through the process.
“We have already held two and they were oversubscribed, so it’s important to book a place in advance. This is a good opportunity for farmers to come and speak to an RPA adviser about any issues they are having with using the new system.”
The first meeting will be held on March 26 at the Wensleydale Rugby Club in Leyburn starting at 2pm.
The second will be on the following day at the old work house council chamber in Pateley Bridge from 1pm.
Anyone who would like to book a place should contact Jane on 01756 751608 for the Leyburn meeting and Marian Wilby on 01423 712950 for the meeting in Pateley Bridge.
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