This is a subscriber-only article
Early applications to the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) system are running ahead of 2016, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Some 5,800 BPS applications, 5,174 online and 633 paper, were lodged since the scheme opened on 13 March.
More than 102,000 of 124,312 farmers made an online application in 2016. There is a big push to increase the number of online applications in 2017 as next year online application will be compulsory.
Clinics
A series of BPS clinics is to be held in Department offices and hotels nationwide next month to help farmers make their applications online.
Department offices in Portlaoise, Cavan and Drumshanbo will host walk-in clinics for farmers from early April until the 15 May deadline.
From 24 April, clinics will be held in Tralee, Letterkenny, Tuam, Ballina, Ennis, Macroom and Dungarvan. Dates, times and venues have yet to be confirmed.
GLAS III
Meanwhile, some GLAS III applicants will have to wait until they receive their confirmed contract from the Department to submit their BPS application.
Around 1,400 GLAS III applications have been held for examination and 500 to 600 decision letters will be issued in the next week, with the remainder shortly after.
More than 5,000 still waiting for GLAS money
Calls for Department to reverse online only rule for BPS applications
SHARING OPTIONS: