In the latest payments update issued by the Department, organic farmers have been left lagging behind, with only 831 farmers out of a possible 1,642 having received payment to date.

A total of €4.22m of 2017 advance payments has issued to organic farmers through the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS).

This is in comparison with 2016 OFS payments when €9.77m issued to farmers. However, long delays were also experienced by farmers for these payments.

GLAS III

Figures released by the Department show that only 816 GLAS III farmers have submitted nutrient management plans (NMPs) so far.

This leaves a substantial 12,488 farmers yet to submit before the 31 March 2018 deadline. Before a NMP can be completed on a farm a soil test must be carried out, so it is vital to talk to your adviser now about getting a soil sample taken before fertiliser is spread. This will give a clearer picture as to the condition of your soil.

NMPs have caused major payment delays for both GLAS I and II farmers, with 570 NMPs still outstanding.

GLAS III farmers are advised not to fall into the same pitfalls.

Advisers already face an increased workload during spring, with the requirement to submit all BPS applications online this year.