More than 99,200 farmers received a share of £1.581 billion, or 95 per cent, of the total estimated Rural Payments Agency (RPA) Single Payment Scheme (SPS) funding allocation at the end of December.
The RPA SPS success was reported by farming minister George Eustice in a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament last week.
He said: “In a critical and challenging period, the RPA continues to build on the huge progress made over recent years to support farmers and food producers and boost rural economies.'
RPA chief executive Mark Grimshaw, meanwhile, added:“Our people pulled out all the stops to deliver another record-breaking performance on SPS 2013 payments for December. We are now working hard to finalise those claims that remain unpaid.
'Many of these are awaiting further clarification or information from claimants and I would urge farmers in this position to get back to us as soon as possible so we may make their payment.”
The agency’s commitment in its 'Business Plan 2013-14' was to pay 86 per cent of payments by value and 93 per cent of customers by number by 31 December, 2013.
The overall estimated SPS fund value this year is approximately £1.66bn. The value varies from year to year depending on the Euro exchange rate.
The RPA’s work helps the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to encourage a thriving farming and food sector and strong rural communities.
It makes Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support payments, traces livestock and carries out inspections.
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