Latest figures, published today, show that the total value of payments made under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) for 2007 is £728.55 million which is 50.2% of the estimated total fund of £1.45 billion.

A total of 69,604 customers have received a full SPS payment. This represents 65.2% of the estimated total claimant population of 106,700.

RPA is working towards making more full payments to more farmers earlier than last year, with a view to meeting its formal targets of making 75% of full payments, by value, by the end of March and 90% by end of May 2008.

Notes to Editors
RPA is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It is the single paying agency responsible for CAP schemes in England and is responsible for administering the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). Other key services include carrying out rural inspections and livestock tracing.

Media only contact: Ciaran Baker, RPA Press Office , 0118 968 7680, ciaran.baker@rpa.gsi.gov.uk