The Department of Agriculture reports a total of 54,999 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications submitted as of 26 April. This can be broken down into 49,039 online applications and 5,960 paper applications.

Compared with 2016, there are 13,999 more applications completed at the same stage, with the total number of 41,000 applications split into 36,104 online and 4,896 paper.

Given that there were 130,700 BPS applications (100,700 online and 30,000 paper) submitted in 2016, there is still a considerable workload to get through over the next two weeks. The split between online and paper applications is likely to be significantly different this year. This is due to the fact that most applicants must apply online in 2017.

This includes the following categories:

  • Farmers with a requirement under greening.
  • Arable farmers, who had 10ha or more of arable land under the 2016 BPS, or who declare 10ha or more of arable land in 2017.
  • Organic farmers.
  • Registered farm partnerships.
  • Recognised share-farming arrangements.
  • All GLAS-approved farmers.
  • For some farmers falling outside the requirements listed above, the Department has sent an information document, but not a full application form, to those with an Agfood account to encourage them to apply online.

    Farmers moving from a paper to online application should aim to complete their application soon so that any potential delays can be addressed in time.

    Where a farmer has an Agfood account but cannot locate their username, password or unique personal access code (PAC), they can contact the Department’s helpline on 076- 106 4424. Note that the username and password can be obtained by phone, but the PAC code, where requested, will be posted.

    There are a couple of Department clinics still to be held with officials present to meet applicants with queries on 27 April in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, and on 28 April in the Riverside Park Hotel, Macroom, Co Cork, from 2.30pm to 7.30pm.

    The Department’s office on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise also has dedicated officals present daily during normal working hours to meet applicants and this service will be extended prior to the closing date. There will also be officials present in the Department office in Farnham St, Cavan, on 2 May, 3 May, 9 May, 10 May, 11 May and 15 May and in Derryhallagh, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, on 4 May, 5 May, 8 May, 12 May and 15 May.

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