This week you may have received an Update from the Rural Payments Agency through the post.  This 15-page booklet includes information about the Basic Payment Scheme and de-linking, the Lump Sum Exit scheme, Countryside Stewardship, the new ELM schemes including how to apply for SFI 2022, woodland grants and capital grant schemes.  It is always helpful to have a paper copy for reading at your (lack of) leisure so, if you haven’t received a copy, we would recommend you call the RPA helpline.  You can also read the booklet on the link above.

It is helpful to have a paper booklet, but the number of historic, existing and future schemes covered illustrates the overwhelming complexity of support payments during the transition period.  It is hard enough for advisers to understand the interaction between all these schemes, let alone farmers who are busy lambing and calving!