BPS Extension Possible March 18, 2015 12:00 am Obviously the problems with the Rural Payments system are ongoing (still no mapping functionality as of today). It is reported that the EU Farm Commissioner, Phil Hogan, is looking favourably on extending the deadline for BPS claims on a pan-European basis. In true Gallic style, the French have already unilaterally decided that they will not be bound by the 15th May date. In England, the various stakeholders such as the CAAV and BIAC have been in intensive negotiations with the RPA to try and ease the burden on Agents submitting multiple applications. An announcement could well be made on Friday morning. Whether this will be a delay in the submission deadline, or some other flexibility remains to be seen. If an extension of the timescale is announced, then we would expect this to be at least an additional month – i.e. a mid-June deadline. In summary, for those getting increasing concerned about submitting their clients BPS claims in time – don’t panic!
