FARMERS and landowners in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are being urged to secure their share of a potential £98m in rural payments for the region by the Rural Payments Agency.

After changes to single farm payment rules this year, Defra is introducing a new digital service called Rural Payments which aims to make it as easy as possible for farmers and landowners to claim their money. The new service is the only way to make a claim so farmers need to ensure they get registered.

RPA customer director Justin Chamberlain said: "We are asking anyone who cares about supporting rural communities to tell ten neighbours or friends to register now to avoid missing out on vital EU payments. With less than 90 days to go to the May 15 deadline for the new basic payment scheme, farmers and landowners should know that the new online Rural Payments service is the only way to claim this year. Even if you were claiming under the old single payment scheme, you will still need to register on the new service.

“If you think there are farmers and landowners in your local community who may not be aware of the need to register, please join our ‘#Tell10’ campaign to help spread the word.

“If you haven’t registered yet, we would urge you to do so as soon as possible. There is lots to do in this the first year of BPS and you will need access the service several times as you build your claim. It will be easier in future years once we have all your information confirmed on the service. Visit www.gov.uk/ruralpayments or call the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301 to find out more.

“RPA is also concerned about those farmers who might find it difficult to get online to claim and has set up a network of support options to help. If you know anyone who might be affected, tell them to ring the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301 in the first instance to discuss their needs.”

RPA research shows more than half of likely claimants in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have not yet registered. The RPA is now calling on rural communities to spread the word to ensure no-one in their region misses out.