The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has announced that while farmers in flood affected areas may still be selected for cross compliance inspections this year, inspectors will take into account the difficulties they have faced and will be carried out later in 2014 where appropriate.

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Coastal regions and large areas of Southern England were hit by widespread flooding as a result of record rainfall and high tidal surges from December until February.

The Agency has published new guidance for farmers affected by flooding, reminding them that the existing rules will safeguard claimants against many of the potential non-compliances they could face that are out of their control. RPA added that breaches of cross-compliance would be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Farmers are advised to keep a record (photographic or notes) of any issues they may wish to raise in case of inspection.

RPA External Relations Director Arik Dondi commented on Wednesday, "We know this is a worrying time for farmers and want to reassure them that any inspector visiting will take account of the difficulties faced by some of them earlier in 2014 which may have taken compliance outside their control.

"The inspection regime is critical to ensure the health of the rural economy and standards of farming practice. However, we hope this new guidance will help alleviate some of the worries farmers are still facing and demonstrate our determination to be fast, flexible and responsive to their changing needs and deliver the best customer service there is."

The new RPA guidance can be found here. Farmers who believe that that 'force majeure' (exceptional circumstances) applies in their individual case are advised to contact the Agency. RPA recommended farmers refer to the The Guide to Cross Compliance in England 2014 for full details on cross compliance rules.

The government has promised to make any new information available to farmers at each step of the countdown to implementation of new CAP measures, so that farmers understand how CAP reforms will affect them, what they need to do, and by when, to move as smoothly as possible to the new schemes and online service. More information is available at www.gov.uk/cap-reform.