The Rural Payments Agency has announced it will make the majority of SPS 2011 Entitlements Statements available to view online by Thursday 1st December, the first day on which eligible farmers can receive the grant, according to Eu rules. Following on from changes made last year, the RPA said statements will confirm both the number and value of entitlements - provided there are no on-going correction issues - and that claimants will be able to print off a hard copy.

An Entitlements Statement does not guarantee a 2011 payment – it is a record of the number and value of entitlements held in mid-May 2011. The RPA will send out paper copies in January to those farmers who requested paper forms.

The NFU today advised farmers to review their information, carefully checking to ensure none of the details on the form or online statement are incorrect. The union said any farmers noticing errors should notify the RPA in writing as soon as possible.