IFA Encourages Farmers To Make BPS Applications
IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy has encouraged farmers making online BPS applications to avail of Department of Agriculture support clinics taking place during April and early May.
The IFA Deputy President reminded farmers that from this year, EU regulations require that all BPS applications be made online.
He urged farmers to make their BPS online applications as early as possible, and if they experience any difficulties in completing the application online to make direct contact with the Department of Agriculture or go along to one of the Department’s one-to-one support clinics.
The Department of Agriculture is providing one-to-one support at venues nationwide to assist farmers in making their 2018 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Transfer of Entitlements applications online. Details of the Department of Agriculture clinics are available on the IFA website.
Richard Kennedy pointed out that in 2017, around 114,000 farmers made their applications online, meaning 13% made paper applications. So far this year, 2,206 of those who made paper applications last year have applied online.
The IFA Deputy President also highlighted the advantages of online application, including preliminary checks, which can identify over-claims and dual claims which can then be rectified without penalty.
The closing date for BPS applications in 2018 is Tuesday 15th May.