Farmers in England begin receiving payments today for 2019

From today (Monday 2 December) farmers and land managers across England will start receiving their 2019 Basic Payment Scheme money.

All payments are made directly to bank accounts via BACS transfer so farmers should make sure the RPA has the most up-to-date account details. Once a payment has been made a remittance advice is sent in the post, confirming the amount paid. Claim statements will also be sent, explaining how payments have been worked out.

For 2019 all eligible Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship agreement holders will start receiving one full payment against their claim for the environmental work they do, rather than having this in two payments. Farmers and land managers are paid for the work they do for the environment under these schemes – from providing habitats for wildlife to reducing the risk of flooding through natural flood management strategies.

Claimants are reminded to remain vigilant against fraud, and should remember:

• Your bank, police or the RPA will never ask you to reveal your online password, PIN or bank account details or ask you to make a payment over the telephone.
• Never disclose personal information to someone you don’t know or open unknown or unexpected computer links or emails.
• If in doubt, call the organisation back, ideally on a different telephone, using a number you are familiar with or you know to be official. You can find this on the organisation’s website, correspondence or statement.

Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit the Action Fraud website without delay for advice and to register your concern.