WEST Devon farmers, landowners and agents will be sent postcards next week, promoting Single Payment Scheme (SPS) Online and a starter pack delivered in a few weeks which will include everything they need to use the service in 2014.

The starter packs are planned to arrive by February 20, the opening day of the 2014 SPS Online application window, and include a PIN and guide on how to log in to the online service.

Rural Payments Agency (RPA) operations director Paul Caldwell said: 'The RPA is one of the leading agencies in delivering online facilities, and has worked hard to provide a number of schemes. These include the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) Online, the import recording and checking system PEACH and the highly praised SPS Online.

'This first wave of contact — sent to more than 40,000 farmers, landowners and agents across England — is part of the agency's ongoing drive to help claimants move their businesses forward into the digital age.'

Local drop-in centres are no longer available this year, so former users will be among those who will get offers of help from the RPA.

To use SPS Online for the first time, all claimants need to first register on the Government Gateway's website http://www.gateway">www.gateway .gov.uk

Due to the annual update of the service taking less time in 2014, claimants can apply for SPS payments online from February 20 — a week ahead of last year.