Small Dairy Farmers Scheme - Open for Applications

The Small Dairy Farmers Scheme is now open for applications. Closing date 31 May 2017

A fund of approximately £8.5 million has been made available to support small dairy farmers in England. The scheme will provide a one off payment to eligible farmers who choose to apply.

You can apply for this scheme if both of the following apply:

• you had an annual cows’ milk production of up to 1,000,000 litres (during the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016

• you are still active in cows’ milk production.

Applications must be received by the RPA by 31st May 2017 at the latest.

If you would like to apply, you can do so at www.gov.uk/guidance/small-dairy-farmers-scheme. If you need any help preparing the application please get in touch with Sam as soon as possible.

Please note Sam will be away from 11th May – 30th May, so if you would like some assistance with this please contact him before the end of April.

BPS 2017 Application Window Now Open

The application window for BPS 2017 has opened online today, and you can start your application at www.gov.uk/claim-rural-payments

The deadline for applications is 15th May, but I suggest you start working on checking your data as soon as possible.

If you need any help with your application, please contact us as soon as possible as we will be very busy in the run up to the deadline. If we assisted you with your application last year, we will be in touch shortly to arrange a date to come out to you complete this year’s application.

NVZ Area Changes

Is your farm coming in to an NVZ area from 1st January?

NVZs for 2017 to 2020 start on 1 January 2017. They include new areas of NVZs, and exclude areas that have been de-designated. Some of you will be definitely be affected by this change, with some of your farms coming in to an NVZ area for the first time. You can use the ‘Whats in my Back Yard’ tool to find out if your land is going to be in an NVZ from 1st January.

Defra sends written notices in early 2017 to any person who owns or occupies land completely or partly within an NVZ, but it is worth checking now so that can be prepared to make any changes you need to make early in the new year.

If you need any assistance checking your farm area, or dealing with the implications of coming in to the NVZ for the first time, we are happy to help.