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More than 60 farmers have sought a formal review of their BPS applications relating to burned land penalties.
At least 160 farmers received letters from the Department of Agriculture telling them some of their land is ineligible for BPS payment because it was illegally burned.
Satellite imagery was used to identify land parcels that were illegally burned during the closed period of 1 March to 31 August 2017. The farmers were given the option of accepting the overclaim calculated by the Department but also the option to seek a review.
“As stated in the letter issued by the Department to individual farmers, those who wish to seek a review should reply in writing setting out the reason for seeking a review and including any supporting documentation which they may deem relevant,” a Department spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Review cases
“So far 62 farmers have sought a review and are located throughout the areas that were affected by the burning in 2017.
“These review cases are currently being examined and the Department will be in touch with the applicants as soon as possible.”
Farmers swear they did not start fires
SHARING OPTIONS: