Both the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Greening Scheme are now open for applications, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said.
Applications can be made online or in hard-copy format, Minister Michael Creed added.
“I am delighted to announce that the online application system for applications under the 2017 BPS is now open. In addition, application packs are currently being posted to all applicants,” he said.
Minister Creed is hoping to build on the recent growth in online applications for the BPS.
There is a range of benefits that online applications provide to both farmers and the Department in terms of the more efficient processing of applications and payments, he said.
All farmers and advisers are being urged by the Minister to avail of the opening of the application process now, rather than waiting until nearer the closing date.
Preliminary Online Checks
Preliminary checks for online applications were introduced for the first time in 2016.
These preliminary checks allow online applicants to be advised of certain errors at an early stage and to correct any such issues without a penalty, he added.
Preliminary checks proved very successful in 2016, and they represent one of the many advantages for farmers in making their BPS applications online.
“Officials from my Department will be providing a range of supports to farmers over the coming weeks to support them in making applications online, as we move towards 100% online application in 2018,” he said.
Farmers can locate the online application system on the Department’s website.
“I would urge as many farmers as possible to avail of the opportunity to apply for the BPS at this early stage, particularly via the online system.
“It is open for farmers to do this either as individuals or through an agent.
“Higher levels of online applications will allow my Department to continue to improve on the delivery to farmers of essential payments under schemes such as BPS and the ANC,” Minister Creed said.