Single applications closing date reminder

Farmers are reminded that the closing date for submitting their 2009 Single Application is Friday 15 May 2009.

Application forms received by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) after 15 May 2009 and until 9 June 2009 will incur late application penalties. Forms received after 9 June 2009 will be rejected.

Up to the present, in the region of 6,000 application forms have been received. Farm businesses that lodged Single Applications in 2008 have been issued with 2009 Single Application packs. Businesses that did not lodge an application in 2008, or have not yet received a pack, can obtain one by contacting their local DARD office. Guidance on the completion of the application form and field data sheet is provided in the Applicants’ Guide included in the pack.

When completing their application, farmers are advised to check their most recent farm maps to make sure these reflect the current situation in their fields and that any buildings, laneways or other features have been removed. If not, they should use the green GIS 2 form, included with their application pack, to tell the Department about any changes. They should also ensure that their field data sheet reflects the updated position.

Farmers who have already submitted their 2009 Single Application and now discover they have made a mistake, or have used an out-of-date map, should immediately amend their claim by completing the SAF 3 form provided in their application pack.

Businesses that have applied to transfer entitlements for the 2009 scheme year by sale or lease, and who have not yet been notified of the outcome, should bear in mind when completing their 2009 Single Application, that entitlements belong to the business approved by DARD as holding the entitlements at 15 May 2009.

Staff at local offices are available to assist with queries about the application process and to deal with notifications of changes to farm maps. If farmers need to go to their local office they are encouraged to do so well in advance of the 15 May closing date.

Farmers may also submit their Single Application online. Anyone considering using this method of application should contact DARD on telephone 028 7129 0068 or visit the ruralni website at: www.ruralni.gov.uk/safonline in order to register by 8 May to use the online service.

Notes to Editors:

1. Farmers must complete a 2009 IACS/Single Application Form to apply for 2009 Single Farm Payment, Aid for Energy Crops, Protein Crop Premium and 2010 Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowance and/ or to apply for payment under approvals effective from 1 January 2009 under the NI Countryside Management and Organic Farming schemes.
2. Information about the online application service can be found at www.ruralni.gov.uk/safonline.
3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.