The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) will be asking applicants to the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) for evidence of farming activity if there is doubt they are not farming all the land declared on their form, agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has announced.

In a statement earlier today, O’Neill confirmed: “DARD is reviewing the information that it holds for each applicant, including that submitted as part of the 2015 Single Application process.”

In order to establish entitlements under BPS, a farmer must show that both the decision making power and financial risks and benefits of the business on the submitted land belong to the applicant. By doing this they are deemed an “active farmer.”

“In cases where doubt is identified, DARD will write to the applicant asking them to confirm they are an active farmer by providing evidence of the agricultural activity which has taken place or is planned to take place on that land in 2015,” O’Neill said.

Recipients of these letters have also be warned to respond within the deadlines stated, and to submit all information required. Failure to do this may result in no BPS entitlements being established on the land in question.

“It is your responsibility to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the Basic Payment Scheme,” O’Neill added.