Farmers are reminded that they must complete a Soil Protection Review by December 31st or risk losing out on support payments, including those under the SPS.
The RPA has again reported breaches of this Cross Compliance requirement – and the consequences can seriously affect your farming bottom line. In 2010 there were 80 failures under GAEC1. While those rules cover more than just the Soil Protection Review, it was the biggest single problem reported.
Of the 80 failures, 62 incurred a 5% reduction in SPS and relevant agri-environment payments, five were fined between 5% and 15% and, in two cases, the penalty was more than that. In short, failing to stay up-to-date could mean a serious sum.
The SPR should not be returned to the RPA or Defra, but should be kept on the farm in case of inspection.
You can sort out your review online here.
For queries on any aspect of the review, call the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77 or email onlinehelp@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
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