Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Duke of Montrose (Conservative). It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 July 2010.

Agriculture: Single Farm Payments

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the issues experienced with mapping in England and Wales within the single farm payment scheme have been overcome. My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. In doing so, I declare an interest as a farmer receiving payments from the Rural Payments Agency.

Answer: My Lords, similarly, I declare an interest. Over the past year, all farmers in England have been sent updated maps where required for the purposes of the common agricultural policy. This was intended to ensure that the maps better represented the current situation on the ground. However, we are aware that too many farmers were initially sent incomplete or incorrect maps. We intend to ensure that farmers receive a better service in the future. The Welsh Assembly is responsible for farmers’ maps in Wales.

Secondary information