Teagasc is putting plans in place to facilitate advisers in assisting farmers to complete basic payment scheme (BPS) applications in its offices over the coming month.

The Department of Agriculture announced last night there would be no change to the BPS application deadline of 15 May. It said any extension to the deadline could lead to a delay in payments later in the year.

Discussion groups

Teagasc has also cancelled all farmer discussion group meetings. These will be replaced by phone conference calls.

In addition to discussion group meetings, Teagasc farm walks, open days and conferences planned for the next few weeks have been called off. Agriculture and horticulture colleges are also among those to be closed in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus.

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