Introduction

This is an old version of the page

This is an old version of the page

Date published: 6 March, 2015

Date superseded: 27 May, 2016

In Scotland, the Basic Payment Scheme is being introduced from 1 January, 2015. This replaces the Single Farm Payment.

  • all existing Single Farm Payment Scheme payment entitlements will cease to exist on 31 December, 2014
  • new Basic Payment Scheme payment entitlements will be allocated to eligible farmers who apply in 2015

You can find out more about the Basic Payment scheme here

Under the new Basic Payment Scheme, there are four possible routes to receiving an allocation of payment entitlements. They are:

  • route one – automatic allocation
  • route two – activity in 2013
  • route three – the National Reserve
  • route four – private contract clause

You may be able to use more than one of these routes to maximise the number and/or value of your entitlements.

Using the links below, you can find more on how we will deal with applications through the four routes to entitlements as well as other important information.

This information for farmers should not be regarded as an authoritative legal interpretation of the European Commission’s regulations governing the Basic Payment Scheme or the National Reserve. You are advised to take independent professional advice to make certain you understand what you are applying for.

Graphic showing your route to entitlements

  • if you are an existing customer (for example, you have claimed the Single Farm Payment before), you must re-register your business with us
  • if you are a new customer you must register your business details

The easiest way to do this is online

You can also download the form below to register or re-register.

PF01 – Register a Business Form

You must provide us with the National Insurance numbers for all members of the business.

If you plan to declare land on your Single Application Form 2015 which was not previously registered with us you must complete PF06 – Land Maintenance Form and provide supporting maps to register it.

Hard copies of these forms are available from your local area office.

Contact us

This guidance explains the rules of the European Council Regulation 1307/2013, for allocating Basic Payment Scheme payment entitlements to:

  • farmers who can prove they undertook an agricultural activity on 15 May, 2013
  • farmers who are eligible under a category of the National Reserve
  • farmers who have entered into a private contract clause as part of a sale or lease agreement

More detailed legislative requirements relating to the allocation of payment entitlements are contained in Commission Delegated Regulation 639/2014 and Commission Implementing Regulation 641/2014.

We will undertake checks on all applications to make sure they are genuine.

You won’t be eligible for entitlements if you have artificially created the conditions to qualify for an allocation. Seeking to obtain an advantage in this way is contrary to the objectives of the scheme.

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