The closing date for applications for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is May 16, 2016 and certain categories of the scheme are required to be completed online.
Since the introduction of the online system in 2007, the number of farmers applying online has continued to grow from 7,500 in 2007 to over 93,000 in 2015.
This growth in the number of farmers applying online shows that more and more farmers are finding the best way to apply for their BPS is online, the Department of Agriculture has said.
However, it has announced that while most farmers still have the option of submitting a paper or online application, this will no longer be the case from 2018.
Under EU Regulations, 100% of Basic Payment Scheme applicants will be required to apply for the scheme by submitting an online application from 2018.
Once you are registered, you can apply online for various schemes including Basic Payment Scheme – it is open to farmers to do this themselves or through an agent.
According to the Department, submitting your Basic Payment online has several advantages.
These include less room for errors as the system will warn you of certain potential errors as you make your application and online applications ensure no vital information is omitted.
Furthermore, the system allows you to view your entitlement details and you will be able to view a detailed breakdown of your payments and all correspondence with the Department online.