FARMERS in Wales can now complete their Single Application Forms (SAF) online.
The Welsh Government has launched its Rural Payments Wales (RPW) online system, which should reduce errors and speed up the processing of the SAF and Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) forms.
Farmers face tough penalties if SAF and IACS forms are not completed and submitted by May 15th each year and the new online system has been broadly welcomed.
Farmers’ Union of Wales president Emyr Jones said: “The online system means there is a reduced risk of mistakes since a great deal of information will be provided instantly, such as comparisons between areas and the numbers of field parcels claimed upon in 2014 and 2013, and instant confirmation that the form has been submitted.”
Problems such as poor broadband coverage in some rural areas will exclude farmers from the new system, and although natural resources and food minister Alun Davies says he wants all IACS/SAF forms to be completed online by 2016, the FUW says farmers should retain the option to complete paper forms.
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