Delivery remains ‘challenging’. Defra have reported that making 70% of advance payments by end March will be a challenge. Only 20% of Mid-Tier agreement offers for January 2018 agreements have been made, but they are aiming to have issued them all by early April, a matter of weeks away.
The level of ‘challenge’ is increased by the mapping issues. The RPA’s remapping exercise is impacting on agri-environment agreements. Agreement holders are advised to check the RPA maps and new hedge layer as soon as possible.
There are a few deadlines approaching. Applications for the Hedgerow and Boundaries Grant need to be submitted by 30 April. All agreement holders need to submit an annual revenue claim form by 15th May. Higher Tier applicants need to make their initial application by 13 April. Final reminder to claim for capital works for 1 January 2016 CS agreement holders to submit a valid claim for capital works by midnight on Tuesday 3 April.
The full details can be found in this member briefing.