RPA’s ‘rigid’ process criticised after farmer denied funding

Cambridgeshire farmer and Nuffield scholar James Peck is facing a significant financial hit after the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) withdrew his funding under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF).

Despite investing nearly £25,000 and putting considerable effort into his application, Mr Peck is now struggling to recover costs without the promised support.

See also: Defra pauses new capital grant scheme offers

Mr Peck, an arable farmer and contractor, expressed his frustration with the RPA’s handling of his claim, particularly over poor communication and rising costs.

“We put our best foot forward, and they’ve come back and said they won’t help,” he said, accusing the agency of being unprofessional and unresponsive.

James Peck © PX Farms

The RPA told Mr Peck it had attempted to contact him during the farm’s closed period over Christmas, a time when many farmers are unavailable.

He said three emails about his claim ended up in his general farm email inbox’s junk folder, further delaying communication. Mr Peck also said there was no record of any phone calls from the RPA, adding to his frustration.

The FETF application initially included nine fully costed items, with one item, FETF410, a combine-mounted weed seed reduction system, rising from an expected cost of £59,248 to £80,000.

This was due to necessary modifications and higher fuel consumption.

Mr Peck had already spent £24,590.65 on six approved items, expecting a grant of £9,241, but now faces having to pay the full cost.

A series of errors and miscommunication meant the claim was submitted after the 10 January deadline, and the RPA has withdrawn Mr Peck’s grant funding agreement, insisting he must cover the full expense.

Mr Peck criticised the lack of flexibility in government schemes, saying: “It’s shocking that they’re forcing farmers into poverty by rejecting their grant applications.” 

Katie Hilton, a land agent at Cheffins representing Mr Peck, formally challenged the RPA’s decision.

She highlighted the communication issues and noted that several items had been purchased in line with the specifications. Despite this, the RPA has shown no leniency.

Appeals process

Mr Peck must now appeal, which will require additional time and resources.

“Farmers cannot rely on these schemes,” he said, noting that government programmes such as the FETF often end up costing more than they benefit.

Mr Peck is the managing director of PX Farms Ltd, a family agribusiness he has built since 2003, farming 5,000ha across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Lincolnshire.

The RPA said it could not comment on individual cases but emphasised that claims for the most recent FETF closed on 10 January 2025 and the agency cannot process claims beyond this date.