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FA deputy president Brian Rushe has said the Department of Agriculture should set up information clinics for farmers on the online application process for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). This follows the Department’s announcement that that the BPS for 2020 is open.
“Given the importance of the Basic Payment for farmers, in particular the drystock and tillage sectors, the Department must provide relevant support before farmers make their application,” he said.
Rushe said he would raise the issue at the next meeting of the Charter of Farmers’ Rights, which takes place on Thursday 5 March.
The deputy president said he will also be raising concerns about the land parcel identification system (LIPIS) review in the northeast, which led to delays in payments to some farmers in 2019.
“This situation cannot be repeated this year as this review extends to other areas,” he said.
Rushe also reminded farmers that the National Reserve and the Young Farmer Top-up will be available this year.
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