Act now on Single Farm Payments.

FARMERS in Wales were this week receiving the most important mail they will get all year.

The Assembly wants all producers to act immediately when the yellow packs arrive to ensure their new Single Farm Payments (SFPs) are correctly calculated.

The packs show farmers' historic CAP subsidy information for the 2000, 2001 and 2002 scheme years -- the reference period.

Eight out of 10 farmers should receive their packs by the start of next week's Royal Welsh Show. They have until September 17 to return their signed forms.

Countryside minister Carwyn Jones said farmers should complete the forms as soon as possible. ``The forms contain the information we believe to be correct on which their SFP entitlement will be based for years to come, '' he said. ``The forms will not tell you the monetary value of the entitlement, as this has yet to be confirmed.

``But it is vital that this information is checked thoroughly and well before the September deadline. ''

Mr Jones said 80% of farmers who were paid subsidies during the reference period should receive their yellow pack before July 19.

``The remaining 20% are those where there are complex business changes or outstanding payments or debts and they will receive a letter of explanation, '' he said.

Anyone who farmed during the period 2000 to 2002 and has not received anything before the Royal Welsh Show should contact their local divisional office immediately. Individual appointments for complex queries will be available from July 26 onwards.

At a recent meeting at Alan and Buddug Jones's Rhydonnen Farm, Llandyrnog, near Denbigh, Clwyd farmers were reassured that help was at hand from Assembly staff in St Asaph.

NFU Cymru Ruthin branch chairman Dylan Hughes said: ``The changes that we face need to be addressed by every individual farmer but for some, it can seem a very daunting task. ''

Farmers who think the information is inaccurate can query the data, first with divisional executive officers, then to an independent panel. But they will need supporting evidence.

Newcomers with no historical data will be sent a letter telling them to apply for SFP entitlement through the National Reserve.

n St Asaph Assembly office: 01745 585227. The Assembly's Farm Liaison Service will be at Tafarn-y Rhos, Llangefni, tonight, at 7. 30pm, to advise on completing data confirmation forms.