The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in the UK is urging Northern Irish farmers to submit their single applications online before the May 16 deadline.

DARD is urging more farmers to join the 6,200 who have already submitted their application via DARD’s online service.

If 70% of Single Applications are submitted online, DARD has committed to making advance payments in October 2016.

Our message to farmers during the Single Application period is ‘help us to help you’ by submitting your application online this year,” said a DARD spokesperson.

“If more farmers submit their application online then less resources will be required to carry out validation checks, which means that resources can be re-directed to making more payments earlier to more farmers.”

Highlighting the advantages of using online applications rather than paper format, the DARD spokesperson added that, “For 2016 we have made further improvements to the online service, making it even easier to use.”

According to DARD, more than 1,000 farm businesses have switched to using online applications for 2016.

The Department said benefits of online applications include:

  • A secure system, available 24 hours a day.
  • Helpful tools and alerts to help avoid mistakes that otherwise could lead to penalties being applied.
  • The inclusion of farmers’ most up-to-date map, allowing them to make changes on your map or field data table.
  • In most cases, where changes are made on the electronic map, there will be no requirement to complete a LPIS Correction Form.
  • The online service will calculate your greening requirement for you and advise if this has been met, based on your land information.
  • You will receive an electronic receipt and summary of your claim.
  • If you need to make further changes then you can log back into the system and make those changes.

What next?

If you applied successfully for the Young Farmers’ payment in 2015 you don’t need to submit a YFP/RR Form and supporting evidence but you must ensure you select ‘yes’ to apply for your 2016 payment on your Single Application.

If you applied for the Young Farmers’ Payment and/or to the Regional Reserve in 2015 and were unsuccessful you may apply again in 2016 if you meet all of the scheme conditions.

If you wish to apply, you must submit a YFP/RR Form along with your supporting evidence, in person, by 16 May to avoid late claim penalties.

If you are already registered and have a Government Gateway ID you will be able to access your Single Application and Map on DARD Online Services now.

If you require a Government Gateway ID please contact DARD Online Services helpdesk on: 028 9442 6699 or via email to: [email protected]

Further information and guidance booklets are available on the Department’s website at: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/articles/area-based-schemes-2016-information-and-guidance

You can also get help to complete your application by calling 0300 200 7848 and asking to speak to a SAF Advisor or you can email your query to: [email protected]