BPS 2023 now open for applications in England

Farmers in England can now apply for the Basic Payment Scheme for 2023.

The application window opened today (Tuesday, 14 March) and is due to close at 12am on Monday 15 May.

For the 2023 scheme year, farmers will see a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) reduction of 35% for payments under £30,000, compared to the start of the seven-year transition period.

See also: Losses on mixed lowland stock farms set to force changes

For payments of between £30,000 and £50,000 there will be a progressive reduction of 40% compared with 2020 levels, and payments of between £50,000 and £150,000 will face a reduction of 50%.

As was the case in 2022, advance payments of about 50% of the total will be made from the start of August 2023, Defra has confirmed. 

“From 2024, we plan to replace BPS with delinked payments,” added a Defra spokesman.

“Farmers must claim and be eligible for BPS payments in the 2023 scheme year to receive delinked payments for 2024 to 2027.

The financial ceiling for England has been confirmed by the Rural Payments Agency as £1.85bn, for funding both BPS entitlement values and a young farmer payment.

Existing Countryside Stewardship revenue claim declarations and Environmental Stewardship revenue claims are also now open.

Mid Tier agreements and wildlife offers for Countryside Stewardship are due to open for applications on 21 March.

Wales

Applications for BPS payments in Wales opened on 6 March and will remain open until 15 May.

Farmers are being urged to apply, and guidance on how to apply can be found on the Welsh government website.  

NFU Cymru head of operations Kevin Owen said: “Please make sure you get your single application form in as soon as possible and don’t leave it until the last minute.”

Scotland

Scottish farmers can apply between 15 March and 15 May by completing a single application form, which covers a range of support schemes in Scotland, including BPS.