The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, TD, today reminded farmers that the closing date for the receipt of applications for this year’s Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is Monday 15^th May 2017.

The Minister said “I would like to remind farmers of the importance of this closing date to ensure they benefit from the maximum payment under their BPS. My Department is urging all farmers who have not yet submitted their BPS application to do so at the earliest possible date.”

Minister Creed continued “Given the range of benefits which online applications provide for farmers, I would also like to encourage farmers to apply online via www.agfood.ie.  In 2016, over 102,000 farmers applied online for their BPS, and this shows that more and more farmers are finding that the best way to apply is online.”

Farmers should ensure that they lodge their applications by 15^th May in order to avoid penalties that must be applied where applications are received late. Given the significance of the Basic Payment to farm income, it is imperative that farmers allow themselves enough time to complete the form accurately and to make sure it is submitted on time. 

The Minister also pointed out that online applicants will also get the benefit of preliminary checks, stating “these checks will allow farmers the opportunity to address any dual claims, over claims and overlaps identified on online applications within specified time frames after the BPS closing date without penalty.  These checks are available for online applicants only.  Last year, approximately 5,000 farmers got the benefit of a preliminary check.”

Given the importance of the May 15^th deadline, the Department has put in place a number of additional supports for farmers and agents as follows:

• To assist farmers applying, a number of supports are being provided for farmers.  Department staff are available at the following locations to accept paper applications or to sit down with farmers on a one to one basis and help them to submit their online application on the spot:

• At Government Offices in Portlaoise

• Between 9.30 am and 9pm from Monday 8^th May to Friday 12^th May
• Between 9.30 am and 5pm on Saturday 13^th May and Sunday 14^th May
• Between 9.30 am and 12 midnight on Monday 15^th May

• At the Department’s offices in Farnham Road, Cavan between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm on May 10^th, May 11^th and May 15^th

• At the Department’s offices in Derryhallagh, Drumshanbo between 9.30 am and 5.30pm on May 8^th, May 12^th and May 15^th.

• A dedicated telephone helpdesk is also available to assist farmers applying on line.  The helpdesk can be contacted at 0761 064420.  This helpdesk will be available to farmers for extended hours in the run up to the BPS deadline. It will be open each evening until 9pm from Monday 8^th May to Friday 12^th May, from 9.30 am to 5pm on Saturday 13^th May and Sunday 14^th May, and until midnight on Monday 15^th May.

NOTE:

In order to apply for your BPS online you must be registered for the Department’s online system at www.agfood.ie.  If you are already registered, the staff at the above locations will be able to immediately assist you with your BPS application. Please bring your agfood.ie registration details (username, personal access code, and password) with you on the day.

If you have not yet registered for www.agfood.ie, the staff at the above locations can assist you with this also when you call in.  If you require assistance in registering for www.agfood.ie please ensure that you bring your PPSN and a valid form of identification with you.

To view this Press Release as a PDF: DAFMPR 81/2017 (pdf 424Kb) 

Date Released: 08 May 2017