On Tuesday (22nd January), Farming Minister David heath unveiled a new online CAP payment scheme, which he said would make the application process quicker and easier.   

The new online system will go live in the 2015 scheme year; the year is now also expected to see the introduction of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy, following delays to the EU Budget and continued debate over CAP reforms. The reform proposals received a record number of amendments in the European Parliament.

From 2015, Defra will introduce a single computer system for all CAP funding in England, irrespective of the delivery body the funding was claimed through. The new system was recommended by the Farming Regulation Task Force, which has been tasked with "cutting red tape in farming".

Touted benefits of the new system include recipients only needing to enter their details once online, and having a single point of contact for CAP related issues, rather than having to go through separate bodies and resubmitting details for each CAP scheme they apply for.

It will also reduce running costs, improve targeting of farm inspections and make it easier adapt to future changes, Defra said on Tuesday.

On unveiling the scheme Mr Heath commented, "CAP programmes will probably change considerably over the coming years and we're making sure we're in the best possible shape to deal with this change. Having one modern, fit for purpose system will make it far quicker and easier for farmers to apply for funding and improve targeting of inspections."

As well as the Single Payment Scheme, there are currently 40 different CAP schemes. These are paid out under different computer systems by Defra, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), Natural England and the Forestry Commission. Subject to the outcome of the current negotiations on reform of the CAP, each agency will phase-in the new system from 2014, ready for scheme year 2015.