The CLA (Country Land and Business Association), the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales, says it is again receiving requests of help.

After last year’s debacle, which left many farmers on the verge of bankruptcy, promises were made that the extent of last years late and incorrect payments would not be repeated.

But that is not the message the CLA's North team are getting, despite a promising start to this year's scheme.

The Single Payment Scheme (SPS) is the principal agricultural payment scheme in the European Union. Under the scheme farmers have greater freedom to farm to the demands of the market as the payments are no longer linked to production, and environmentally friendly farming practices are better acknowledged and rewarded.

The CLA's North East chairman, Annabelle Morshead, who herself is waiting for payment, said: “I find it completely unacceptable that we are going through this again.

“We are expected to complete our forms for next year's Single Payment Scheme yet many farmers don't know how much or when they will be receiving payment for the last year.

“The CLA has been involved in this throughout and I can say that while we have delivered our end with prompt and accurate paperwork - and lots of it.

“Now, to add to their catalogue of excuses, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) have told us that changes to the Moorland line are holding up 2007 payments.

“This is causing huge problems, coming on the back of an appalling spring, rising prices and the aftermath of draconian foot and mouth restrictions.

“The perception that all’s well in the farming world could not be more wrong. We will be meeting with Defra next week to hammer this message home, and to hopefully get some fast results.”