Double the number of farmers and agents in England have already turned to RPA’s SPS Online service to apply for the Single Payment Scheme in 2011 than in the previous year.

Overall numbers of electronic applications from farmers using SPS Online and other farm software packages have also increased - by more than 90%.

By the 16 May deadline, the Rural Payments Agency had received 30,850 electronic applications for SPS 2011, an increase of more than 90% from 2010 when the figure was 16,054. Half of these applications have come in from farmers and agents who are using the online and farm software services for the first time.

The number of farmers using RPA’s own SPS Online service up to the 16 May deadline has doubled – from 13,279 in 2010 to 27,081 in 2011.

The total number of applications received so far is around 105,000 which means that about a third have been electronic applications.

Simon Lunniss, RPA’s Customer Services Advisor said:

“The numbers speak for themselves – farmers and agents find it quicker, easier and more reassuring to apply online. This is only the second full year which SPS Online has been available to everyone and we’re pleased to say the electronic application process is proving a success. We were hoping to increase the number of electronic applications by 50% this year and have more than achieved that.”

Farmers yet to apply are encouraged to go online before the final closure of the application period at midnight on Friday 10 June.  Applications submitted between now and the final cut-off point are subject to progressive late application reductions. After 10 June, applications will be rejected.

RPA’s online service highlights common errors so they can be corrected before the application is submitted which reduces the number of errors. Farmers and agents also get an instant receipt so they know it has arrived at RPA.

Farmers who haven’t registered to use RPA online services can still register so they can track the progress of their claim online, even if they applied on paper. Once registered, they can also view their recent Claim and Entitlements statements online.