Wet weather derogation for the Basic Payment Scheme 2018
George Eustice, Minister of State, has announced a relaxation (derogation) of the crop diversification rules following the recent wet weather.
The derogation applies across all of England. It means that all farmers in England, who would normally have to meet the 3 crop rule for BPS 2018, can apply to RPA to meet the 2 crop rule where they were unable to plant 3 crops due to wet weather.
How to apply for a derogation
Email RPA at: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk using the subject title ‘Wet weather derogation request’. In the body of the email, include:
- SBI and name of the business making the request
- a list of the affected land parcels
- what crops you intended to plant.
If you are unable to email, call us on 03000 200 301 and give us the above details. We must receive your request by 30 June 2018.
Your BPS 2018 application
You must also make sure that your BPS 2018 application clearly shows what was in the ground at 15 May 2018. If you have already submitted your application and need to amend it, you can do so up until 31 May as long as you submitted your original application by midnight on 15 May.
You should also keep evidence of your original cropping plans as these may be required during an inspection.
What happens next
We will take account of your derogation request when we work on your claim.
Contact RPA
Email ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk
Helpline 03000 200 301