The National Farmers Union (NFU) are helping farmers understand the basic payment scheme (BPS) by hosting a series of meetings for members.

The events will start in the North East on February 14, and BPS experts will be on hand to deliver advice and answer questions.

Throughout the event the experts will update NFU members on what is new and explain any changes ahead of the next application window.

The team will talk through the BPS 2017 application process and also provide members with the latest news about remaining 2015 and 2016 payments.

Guy Smith, NFU Vice President, said: "Although things are improving fro ma very bad start, we know that for most members the BPS experience has been less than smooth or easy.

"Our survey shows 10% still feel they have unresolved issues going back to 2015, while many more are thinking of using agents.

"Our aim with both our support and our lobbying is always to make BPS as farmer friendly as possible.

"I'd thoroughly recommend our roadshows as a way to boost a bit of BPS self-confidence and to hear what we've been doing as we approach the 2017 application window."

Over the past year the NFU has lobbied for its members on a number of key issues for farmers, resulting in speedier payments, statements issued ahead of time, clearer communication and enhanced entitlement statements.

To find out details about the upcoming meetings, please visit the NFU website on nfuonline.com.

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