FARMERS have been warned they have only days to respond to the latest stage of the new farm subsidy review.

If they don't, they risk losing out when the scheme is introduced later in the year, warns Hugh Fell of George F White's specialist agricultural department.

He said farmers in North Yorkshire had already received the Information Statement (Stage 1) of the new Single Payments Scheme from Defra's Rural Payment's Agency.

They have only until August 6 to confirm key historical detail about their businesses. The information is vital as it will be used to calculate their new single payments later.

Mr Fell said the timing of the request could not be worse as many farmers were still foraging and contemplating starting the combine when the rain stopped. They had little time for paperwork.

The RPA is using the Stage 1 exercise to confirm with farmers several key issues which will determine the value of their new SPS subsidy. This will govern their future level of financial support and Mr Fell underlined the importance to farmers of getting this stage of the process right.

"Every farmer must check the information the Rural Payments Agency is sending out regarding their historical claims in the reference period, which will affect their entitlement value over the next eight years," he said.

Any changes in a farm's business structure which have taken place since January 1, 2000, may affect the "historical entitlement value" of the SPS. This includes changes in partnerships, business trading changes, inheritance and new farming businesses.

Mr Fell's advice is to check the RPA's information and ensure they receive any details regarding business changes.

"Changes in legal status could be a legal minefield, which should be avoided at all costs," he said.

Key decisions must also be made regarding the effect of foot-and-mouth disease and agri-environmental schemes.

Mr Fell confirmed the complexity of the situation. "Countryside Stewardship payments are likely to decrease in the future to avoid double payment, so it's essential that farmers elect to exclude the years up to 2002 in which they were in a stewardship agreement."

So far, only North Yorkshire farmers have received the Information Statement to confirm with the RPA. Farmers in County Durham, Northumberland, East, West and South Yorkshire will receive their "packs" from the RPA next Friday. The deadline for corrections is just 28 days later.

George F White has a team of advisers at offices in Alnwick, Wolsingham and Bedale to help submit the correct information to the Rural Payments Agency.

Mr Fell expects them to be busy. "It is not just a formality, and you only get one bite of the cherry," he said.