The number of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications submitted has increased by 6,591 in the last week. The total numbers submitted stands at 10,945 online applications and 1,446 paper applications.

As has been the case in recent years, farmers are advised to review their maps and check that the forage area claimed reflects the eligibility of the parcel.

Common aspects to look out for are scrub encroachment and changes to land use rendering part of, or the entire, area of the parcel ineligible.

On the other hand, there may also be cases where the forage area claimed can be increased through land reclamation or improvement.

Where this is the case, increasing the eligible are claimed above the reference area will require maps or supporting documentation to be submitted to demonstrate the change.

Other factors to bear in mind include the land being available to the applicant from the start of the year until after 31 May 2017 or from before 31 May 2017 to 31 December 2017.

The person who submits the parcel on their BPS is responsible for its maintenance.

An agricultural activity must also take place on the land, plus there must be access to the parcel that is suitable to the activity and stock-proof fencing and defined boundaries with the exception of commonage.

ANC

For payments under the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC), the land must be available to the applicant for the full calendar year. Eleven-month rental agreements will also suffice, but take note that you are also responsible for this land for the full calendar year and are therefore deemed responsible if breeches of cross compliance take place when land is not under your control.

Short-term rental agreements cannot take place within this time frame, but farmers can take in animals for grazing. These will not count towards the ANC stocking rates unless a formal arrangement such as contract rearing is in place.

Delayed payments causing cashflow concerns

The Irish Farmers Journal continues to receive calls and correspondence from farmers affected by delayed GLAS and AEOS payments.

The delays are leading to significant cashflow difficulties on some farms, with some callers explaining that the farming system is being stretched to the limit, with cash already invested in compliance measures.

Payments remain slow (see left of page) and are being made weekly as cases are approved for payment.