Single Payment Scheme

The Single Payment Scheme (SPS) was introduced on 1st January 2005 and was designed to simplify the various subsidy payments into one payment. Previously farmers subsidy payments had been derived from 11 different schemes. Importantly, by decoupling the payment farmers were given greater freedom to farm to the demands of the market.

Carver Knowles have been at the forefront of advising farmers throughout the regions on SPS and have established a reputation as one of the leading experts in the country. We advise on the following:-

SPS applications and appeals
Entitlement trading
FVP/horicultural authorisations
National reserve claims and appeals

As a result of the SPS, much has changed in the structure of agreements for land occupation and we can advise on tenancies and contract farming arrangements to ensure taxation benefits for the owner are maximised and also the ability to claim the single payment preserved

Environmental grants

The SPS brought with it an emphasis on the environment with environmentally friendly farming practices being encouraged and rewarded. Such reward is derived from shifting funds from farm subsidies to environmental services through the Government's use of volunary modulation and the implementation of a Rural Development Programme (RDP). For the period 2007-13 the RDP for England has a budget of £3.9 billion

Participating in one or more of the schemes that are set up within the RDP is a way for a farmer to recoup money deducted by way of the modulation. In many cases entry to such shemes has little effect on the existing day to day management of the farm

Keeping in touch with the detail of the RDP and the various schemes that emerge from it is fundamental to our role as advisers in this area of work

Key contacts

Andrew Troughton

01684 853406

Abigail Baldrey

01684 853407

Julie Branfield

01684 853404

SPS news

January 20 2012
NFU conference success

The 2012 Pershore conference regarding the future of the CAP held last night was well attended with a lively discussion on the mechanics of the European decision making process, the implications of the current draft proposals and what farmers should do to mitigate the impacts.

January 09 2012
Pershore Conference 2012 – How Green is your CAP?

You are invited to the NFU conference on Thursday 19th January at 7.30pm in the Frank Parkins Centre, Pershore College. There will be an open debate regarding the implications of the greening measures announced during the CAP reform

August 25 2011
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP – THE WAY FORWARD

Over the next four years 15,000 ESA and CSS agreements will expire. If your agreement is due to run out shortly it is better to act sooner rather than later to ensure that your stewardship income and environmental benefits to your holding continue

April 27 2011
On the right track with SPS

England actually got SPS right, but where do we go from here?

September 15 2010
Cross compliance failures leave 10% of farmers facing fines

About 10% of farmers have been found to be in breach of cross-compliance rules by failing to have their Soil Protection Review booklets ready for inspection. Such a breach can result in a 5% penalty which will be automatically deducted from your Single Payment cheque.