Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the Government has to ensure that farmers are not penalised if they make a mistaken claim as a result of a mapping error caused by the re-mapping conducted by the Rural Payments Agency.

The Rural Payments Agency are required to demonstrate compliance with the EU rules by keeping our mapping up to date or run the risk of significant disallowance. Updates to our maps are based on the intelligence we receive from Ordnance Survey; aerial photography; inspection outcomes; and requests made by farmers. They have notified customers of all changes made to their land parcel information.

Key stakeholders have been engaged throughout the exercise to raise awareness, and the RPA has provided advice and guidance to support applicants for Basic Payment Scheme 2018 in making an accurate claim. This includes a dedicated helpline and page on rpa.gov.uk dedicated to mapping.

The RPA has established processes which take into account, on a case-by-case basis, any evidence or information submitted by farmers should any differences be found.