RPA begin compensation 'inspections'
Growers are being contacted by the RPA to verify their compensation claims, ahead of payments being made in June this year.
Sugar compensation 'inspections' begin
The RPA has recently instigated the inspection process to verify sugar restructuring compensation claims. Beet growers are being selected at random and are required to provide supporting evidence for their claim. It is expected that around 8% (just over 5%) of applicants will take part in the inspections.
How does the process work?
- Growers will firstly receive a phone call from the RPA to arrange a date for the Inspector to visit the farm business.
- Growers will be given advanced notice of the information and supporting evidence that is required from them during the inspection process.
- The NFU understands that, for each of the three reference years, 2006, 2007 and 2008, growers will be asked to provide evidence of the following:
- Contract tonnage (prior to quota cuts), including leased tonnage.
- Proof of delivery
- Proof of payment
- Area grown
- In addition, the inspector will be asking for evidence of the price received per tonne. This is required for a separate scheme called the Sugar Production Charge Scheme.
- Supporting evidence includes:
- Contract confirmation documents
- Weighbridge tickets
- Leasing agreements
The NFU has received calls from some beet growers, expressing concerns with the process. The RPA has subsequently confirmed that, to avoid unnecessary disruption, growers will be given sufficient information prior to the inspection taking place. Growers who are not satisfied with the inspection should, in the first instance, contact the RPA on 0191 2265308. If this fails to resolve the issue, please register your concerns with the NFU Sugar helpline and we will endeavour to take up your case with the RPA.
