Figures released today show that, as at 31 December 2007, full SPS payments amounting to over £497 million have now been made to nearly 50,000 customers.

This follows a written statement on 18 December from Hilary Benn, Secretary of State, confirming that a series of full payment runs had been authorised by RPA following a pilot run of full payments announced on 10 December.

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