A recent survey by the National Farmers Union (NFU) has demonstrated a mixed performance from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

The survey was completed by 300 NFU members, and 90% of respondents said they had been paid, leaving 10% without payment, impacting their cash flow pressure, leaving them with problems paying bills and needing to borrow money.

Furthermore, 5% of those paid their 2016 claim noted a shortfall in what they expected to be paid, and 11% overall still have outstanding payment claims from 2015.

Guy Smith, vice president of the NFU said: “Our survey concludes later this week, but is already giving us an invaluable ‘straight form the horse’s mouth’ view from farmers about how they feel the RPA is performing.

“These early stage results show that despite a commendable effort by the RPA to get BPS money out to cash strapped farmers, there is clear evidence that the RPA is still stretched.

"As we move into 2017 it seems the pace of payment has significantly dropped away to a dribble leaving those in the unpaid 10% worried about cash flow and feeling clueless about when they will see their BPS.

"We have been calling for some time now for bridging payments for those not paid by the end of January.

“In light of these survey results we repeat these calls. Furthermore, the level of clear up work left over from 2015 is unacceptably large – in effect the RPA have more than 8000 customers who for some reason still haven't concluded their 2015 application 18 months after submission. That is far too many for comfort.

“With the 2017 claim window fast approaching and expected to be open towards the end of February, I ask for the RPA to take on board what farmers are telling us here.”