The online system for applications under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is on target to open before the weekend.

While the overall application will remain the same, new features will include a GLAS layer where farmers who applied for GLAS can see the actions they have signed up for under the scheme.

This is similar to the greening layer that worked well for tillage farmers last year.

All of the 38,000 farmers who applied for GLAS must apply for their BPS online. Of these, 33,500 submitted their 2015 BPS online, leaving around 4,500 to make the move this year.

The Department will continue to push farmers online, hoping to get to 100% by 2017/2018.

This is not a bad thing, as it leads to fewer errors and speedier processing of payments.

Farmers should not just allow their agents to register, but should ensure they have access as well.

The terms and conditions of the 2016 scheme will also be available this week. Farmers will be sent paper applications and maps in late March.

The closing date for applications is set for Monday 16 May, but farmers are urged to apply earlier online as changes can be easily made and parcels added online right up to the deadline.

Farmers applying early online will benefit from preliminary checks that will see the Department contact them to make changes without incurring a penalty.

Payment update

The latest figures show 123,774 farmers have been paid over €1.12bn under BPS.

It would indicate around 200 farmers are being paid on each of the two-week runs.

It leaves around 700 farmers still to receive payment.

To date, 90%, or some 8,500, of applications to the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme have been fully processed.

The biggest hold-up for these categories is down to partnerships or those who have not sent in adequate information when requested.