Farmers have until next Monday, 15 May, to lodge their 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application.
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, today reminded farmers of the importance of this closing date to ensure they benefit from the maximum payment under their BPS.
“My Department is urging all farmers who have not yet submitted their BPS application to do so at the earliest possible date.
“Given the range of benefits which online applications provide for farmers, I would also like to encourage farmers to apply online via www.agfood.ie.
“In 2016, over 102,000 farmers applied online for their BPS, and this shows that more and more farmers are finding that the best way to apply is online.”
Avoid penalties
Farmers should ensure that they lodge their applications by 15 May in order to avoid penalties that must be applied where applications are received late.
Given the significance of the Basic Payment to farm income, it is imperative that farmers allow themselves enough time to complete the form accurately and to make sure it is submitted on time.
The Minister also pointed out that online applicants will also get the benefit of preliminary checks, stating “these checks will allow farmers the opportunity to address any dual claims, over claims and overlaps identified on online applications within specified time frames after the BPS closing date without penalty”.
“These checks are available for online applicants only. Last year, approximately 5,000 farmers got the benefit of a preliminary check.”
Additional supports
Given the importance of the 15 May deadline, the Department has put in place a number of additional supports for farmers and agents as follows:
To assist farmers applying, a number of supports are being provided for farmers. Department staff are available at the following locations to accept paper applications or to sit down with farmers on a one to one basis and help them to submit their online application on the spot:
At Government Offices in Portlaoise:Between 9.30am and 9pm from Monday 8 May to Friday 12 May
Between 9.30am and 5pm on Saturday 13 May and Sunday 14 May
Between 9.30am and 12 midnight on Monday 15 May
At the Department’s offices in Farnham Road, Cavan between 9.30am and 5.30pm on 10 May, 11 May and 15 May.At the Department’s offices in Derryhallagh, Drumshanbo between 9.30am and 5.30pm on 8 May, 12 May and 15 May.Telephone helpdesk
A dedicated telephone helpdesk is also available to assist farmers applying on line. The helpdesk can be contacted at 0761 064420. This helpdesk will be available to farmers for extended hours in the run up to the BPS deadline.
It will be open each evening until 9pm from Monday 8 May to Friday 12May, from 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday 13 May and Sunday 14 May, and until midnight on Monday 15 May.
Deductions to apply to late BPS applications
Here are the reasons why 3,100 GLAS farmers have not yet been paid
Farmers have until next Monday, 15 May, to lodge their 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application.
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, today reminded farmers of the importance of this closing date to ensure they benefit from the maximum payment under their BPS.
“My Department is urging all farmers who have not yet submitted their BPS application to do so at the earliest possible date.
“Given the range of benefits which online applications provide for farmers, I would also like to encourage farmers to apply online via www.agfood.ie.
“In 2016, over 102,000 farmers applied online for their BPS, and this shows that more and more farmers are finding that the best way to apply is online.”
Avoid penalties
Farmers should ensure that they lodge their applications by 15 May in order to avoid penalties that must be applied where applications are received late.
Given the significance of the Basic Payment to farm income, it is imperative that farmers allow themselves enough time to complete the form accurately and to make sure it is submitted on time.
The Minister also pointed out that online applicants will also get the benefit of preliminary checks, stating “these checks will allow farmers the opportunity to address any dual claims, over claims and overlaps identified on online applications within specified time frames after the BPS closing date without penalty”.
“These checks are available for online applicants only. Last year, approximately 5,000 farmers got the benefit of a preliminary check.”
Additional supports
Given the importance of the 15 May deadline, the Department has put in place a number of additional supports for farmers and agents as follows:
To assist farmers applying, a number of supports are being provided for farmers. Department staff are available at the following locations to accept paper applications or to sit down with farmers on a one to one basis and help them to submit their online application on the spot:
At Government Offices in Portlaoise:Between 9.30am and 9pm from Monday 8 May to Friday 12 May
Between 9.30am and 5pm on Saturday 13 May and Sunday 14 May
Between 9.30am and 12 midnight on Monday 15 May
At the Department’s offices in Farnham Road, Cavan between 9.30am and 5.30pm on 10 May, 11 May and 15 May.At the Department’s offices in Derryhallagh, Drumshanbo between 9.30am and 5.30pm on 8 May, 12 May and 15 May.Telephone helpdesk
A dedicated telephone helpdesk is also available to assist farmers applying on line. The helpdesk can be contacted at 0761 064420. This helpdesk will be available to farmers for extended hours in the run up to the BPS deadline.
It will be open each evening until 9pm from Monday 8 May to Friday 12May, from 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday 13 May and Sunday 14 May, and until midnight on Monday 15 May.
Deductions to apply to late BPS applications
Here are the reasons why 3,100 GLAS farmers have not yet been paid
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: