Producer organisations (POs) in the UK threatened with de-recognition have been reassured by a new approach from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
The RPA has moved to help them regain recognition while only suspending payment in the meantime. NFU chief horticulture adviser Hayley Campbell-Gibbons said: “Given the financial stress that POs and growers have been placed under as a result of the recognition review, it will come as a huge relief to hear that the RPA will not be seeking any recovery of funds and that the 2010 payments are finally being processed.”
The RPA wrote to 17 POs to tell them that they may continue to operate their existing programme and accrue the right to aid as long as they can provide evidence they meet the required criteria before 9 August 2012.
“We are not pleased to be suspended,” said Chris Highwood of FarmFresh producer organisation. “However, it is better than being in the limbo position we were in before and we are heartened by the conciliatory tone of the RPA’s letter.”
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