New procedures for Northern Irish farmers applying for a ‘review of decisions‘ under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will come into force from April 1, 2018.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) today announced that a new internal review system based up at Orchard House would replace the current two-step process.

A spokesman said: “The new procedures will provide fair, impartial and transparent treatment while ensuring a more efficient process that better meets the needs of farmers.”

The review process

The previous review system – which had been criticised for being too slow – involved a two-stage process where an independent panel discussed all applications.

However, from now on, the review of the decision will be conducted by a specialist team of officials within DAERA’s Area-based Schemes Payments Branch which was not involved in making the initial decision.

Farmers can request a review of a decision made by DAERA regarding their CAP application within 60 days of receiving the original decision.

Applicants who request a review will not incur any costs in the procedure – whether they are successful or not.

Applications to the following CAP area-based schemes will be subject to the new review procedures:
  • Single Farm Payment;
  • Basic Payment Scheme;
  • Greening Payment;
  • Young Farmers’ Payment;
  • Forestry Grant Schemes;
  • Agri-Environment Schemes;
  • Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme;
  • Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme; and
  • Environmental Farming Scheme.

A guidance booklet outlining the new procedures is available to download from DAERA’s website.

Any farmer who has received a decision letter or submitted a review of decision application before April 1 will continue to have their application considered under the two-stage process.

It’s recommended that, before a formal review is requested, applicants contact the scheme staff to discuss their case.

Following a review, applicants who are unhappy with the outcome can seek a judicial review or contact the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman within six months of the final decision.