NFU roadshow takes off for 17-stop regional tour
31/03/05

The NFU's regional food and farming team are taking to the road next week delivering a detailed presentation on issues to consider when completing the new Single Payment Scheme application form.

James Ede and Louise White will be delivering a total of 17 comprehensive briefing sessions throughout the region designed to help members get to grips with the requirements of the new scheme and feel confident about completing the necessary paperwork.

The tour kicks off in Northumberland on Tuesday 5 April before moving to Yorkshire on Wednesday 6 April. Over the next month the team will go on to deliver more than 30 hours of detailed presentation as part of the NFU's drive nationally to ensure that farmers are fully prepared for the implementation of the new Single Payment Scheme.

Across the whole of England and Wales, NFU staff will be running 140 presentations over the coming weeks as members gear up to fill in their forms in time for the fast-approaching deadline of May 16.

In addition to the bespoke sessions, the NFU has also mailed out to all members an invaluable guidance booklet. This provides step-by-step advice on filling in the forms as well as a 'telephone record' form that can be used to record any details of conversations with the Rural Payments Agency, which could be vital if any discrepancies arise in the future.

In addition, members can also get expert guidance from specialist staff at NFU Callfirst as well as having access to online Business Guides that provide targeted support for members wishing to navigate specific aspects of the new system.

According to NFU regional director, Richard Ellison, it is crucial that farmers are fully informed of all aspects of the implementation of the new scheme as it is integral to their business.

"The guidance provided by the NFU is second to none," he said, "and will help farmers navigate the potential challenges they may face when adapting to the new system."

Free to all NFU members, the North East roadshow programme is as follows:

5 April 10am - 12 noon The Tankerville Arms, Wooler, Northumberland (Tuesday) 2pm - 4pm The Beaumont Hotel, Hexham, Northumberland

6 April 10am - 12 noon Strensall Village Hall, Strensall, York (Wednesday) 2pm - 4pm The Vikings, Western Road, Goole, East Yorkshire

12 April 10am - 12 noon The Crossways Hotel, Thornley, Co Durham (Tuesday) 2pm - 4pm The George Hotel, Piercebridge, Darlington

13 April 10am - 12 noon The Rockingham Arms, Wentworth, Rotherham (Wednesday) 2pm - 4pm Holmfirth Auction Mart, Holmfirth, West Yorks

19 April 10am - 12 noon Boston Spa Village Hall, Boston Spa, West Yorks (Tuesday) 2pm - 4pm Craven Auction Mart, Skipton, North Yorks

20 April 10am - 12 noon Ponteland Memorial Hall, Ponteland, Northumberland (Wednesday) 2pm - 4pm Helme Park Hall Hotel, Nr. Bishop Auckland, Co Durham

26 April 10am - 12 noon The Railway Tavern, Hunmanby, Filey, North Yorks (Tuesday) 2pm - 4pm The Gardeners Country Inn, Coniston, East Yorks

28 April 10am - 12 noon Tree Bridge Hotel, Old Nunthorpe Village, Middlesbrough (Thursday) 2pm - 4pm Ryedale Indoor Bowls Centre, Norton, North Yorks

4 May (Wednesday) 2pm - 4pm The Falls Country Club, Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorks