2008 Single Farm Payment

22 March 08 : Farmers will start receiving their 2008 SFP application in the post this week. The deadline to return it is set for 15 May. It's the last possible date so there will be no extensions. For most farmers the SFP represents all of their profits for the year. Don't set it aside and leave it until the last minute. Make an appointment with your advisor if you need to. Applications for trading or consolidation of entitlements must be sent in by the 15 May deadline. Included in the SFP pack is a guide to completing the front and back pages that should be read carefully. A handy summary of the main changes concerning land details and a list of contact numbers for queries is also included.

Again this year the Department has pre-printed a lot of the information, making it a straightforward exercise if your farming system has not changed much. You automatically qualify for the disadvantage area scheme, energy scheme and protein scheme if you meet the conditions, so no boxes need to be ticked.

Shading returns to front

Your 2008 SFP application form is pre-printed with details relating specifically to you. If is for your use or your successors use only. The majority of information such as name, address and telephone number will be pre-printed.

Front page

1. Entitlement ID is a unique identity number that ties you to what entitlements you have on the Department database. Your REPS and Afforestation numbers have been moved to the back page. The requirements for your PPNS have been dropped.

2. The details of entitlements are what were on that data base at the time of printing. This may have changed so check it carefully. It sets out the different types, number and values of entitlements you hold as well as the order they will be automatically paid.

3. If you do not have one hectare for each entitlements you hold you can change the order of payment (column 6) you can choose to change the order of payment.

4. Farmers that want to apply for nitrates derogation have to shade the circle.

5. Farmers with stock have also to shade the circle for the feed hygiene regulation to declare they are in compliance with the obligations. The only other bit of shading is where farmers are home mixing feed. They have to state if they use a mixer wagon or fixed machinery.

Key points on front

1 Check pre-printed information carefully. If incorrect put a line through it and write correct detail beside it.

2. Check the entitlements details. It represents your entitlement position at the date of printing of the form. This might have changed. There is no obligatory set aside in 2008 but you will need an eligible ha to drawn down each one.

3. The SFP represents the year's profit for many farmers. Give it the time it deserves to read what you are signing and fill it in properly

4. Finally do sign and date it. Even year many people forget to do this. The form has space this year for a second signature for where there is a joint application.

Save time - go on-line

Every farmer has the option to file their SFP on-line this year. One third of farmers are already in a position to do this. It can be done by registering yourself on the Department website or nominating an agent or advisor to do it for you. This involves simply filling out a form. It certainly makes things easier as it has the potential to greatly reduce errors and you can access a lot more information though the Department website. You automatically get a letter confirming the application has been received once it is submitted.

Back page - Fill in all blanks

In most cases the land parcel details declared by you on your 2007 SFP form have been pre-printed on your 2008 form. The replacement of the 10 month rule with a single date has meant that two columns relating to it have been dropped. You must legally declare all of the land that forms part of your holding on 31 May 2008.

Two new columns have been included. Column 7 allows you to change the reference area of the parcel and column 14 is used to identify the farm hub.

Some blanks will appear especially on the type of crop in the case of tillage parcels. Examine each parcel carefully. It's your responsibility to check the details carefully and make any required changes. If a parcel is not being farmed by you this year it can be deleted by drawing a line across the entire row. Don't leave any blanks - is the most important piece of advice when filling out the form. If there are blanks the application will be regarded as incomplete and processing will be delayed.

• Column 1: Townland Parcels submitted in 2007 will be pre-printed. Parcels not been farmed by you can be deleted by drawing a line through it. A map must be enclosed for any new or amended parcels.
• Column 2: Land Parcel number (LPIS no) will be printed. New parcels must have a unique land parcel number. Where the LPIS no is followed by an asterix (*) it indicates that all or part of the parcel is within a National Parks and Wildlife Service designated area.
• Column 3: Commage shares will be pre-printed if farmed in 2007. If new in 2008 evidence must be submitted.
• Column 4: Parcels marked with a Y indicate eligibility to draw set aside entitlements. Despite the compulsory set aside being set at 0% you still need one eligible set aside ha for each set a side entitlement you want to get paid on in 2008.
• Column 5: Gross area is pre-printed in hectares. The gross area of any new parcels must be obtained from previous occupier.
• Column 6: The reference area is fixed based on previous claims or a department inspection. The net area in column 8 must not exceed this area. If it does a map or other evidence is required.
• Column 7: A new column. An X must be placed in the parcel if you want to change the reference area. Mapping or other evidence must be submitted to change this.
• Column 8: Net area of parcel is the area you are declaring for payment. It is vital to fill in this column. Deduct any ineligible or non utilised part of this parcel. You must exclude area under buildings, farmyards, woods, rivers, streams, etc that are unfit for grazing.
• Column 9: You must have either an O for Owned, R for Rented and L for Leased in this column.
• Column 10: Crop category If not pre-printed mark the appropriate box with an "x". Each parcel has to have this done.
• Column 11: To meet the requirement of the nitrates regulations the list of crop categories has been increased to be more specific. For example instead of barley you must specify winter or spring barley. Check in the guidelines before completing as only a parcel use stated on the list must be used.
• Column 12: Mark an x on any parcels that you are claiming aid under the energy crop scheme
• Column 13: An "x" must be marked against the parcels where the use is specified as forestry or forestry setaside in column 12 and the afforestation grant is being received.
• Column 14: Farm hub - a new column. An "x" must be placed to indicate the parcel where your main farmyard is.

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