One week left until deadline for late single applications

Farmers are reminded that the final date for the acceptance of 2008 Integrated Control System (IACS) / Single Applications is 9 June 2008.

Any applications received after 9 June 2008 will not be accepted. Around 38,000 Single Applications were received by 15 May 2008 and applications will continue to be accepted up to and including 9 June 2008. EU rules require that a 1% penalty is applied to applications submitted after 15 May for each working day the submission is delayed after 15 May.

Amendments to valid applications already submitted can be made before 9 June. Amendments notified on or before 31 May have been made without reduction to the claim. Amendments made between 1 June and 9 June 2008 will incur a 1% reduction per working day from 1 June 2008 for the affected field parcels.

There are no general provisions under EU rules for making amendments to applications after 9 June. However, it is possible to withdraw all or part of the Single Farm Payment application at any time without penalty, providing the farm business has not already been notified of an on-farm inspection or of the results of any verification checks on their application. The withdrawal of parcels following an inspection is also possible, provided no irregularities have been found in respect of the field parcels to be withdrawn.

It is also possible to correct an irregularity, such as an over declaration of land, in an application at any time, without penalty, provided that irregularity has not already been identified and advised by the Department and provided an inspection has not already been notified or undertaken.

Completed Single Application Forms should be returned to Single Farm Payment Branch at Orchard House (address below) or the nearest local DARD office. Farm businesses wishing to make an amendment, withdraw all or part of their application or notify an irregularity should advise Single Farm Payment Branch in writing. Amendments to the field data sheet can be notified on form SAF 3 which was included in the application pack. SAF3 forms are also available on request from Orchard House (Telephone 028 7131 9900) or from local DARD offices.

Notes to Editors

1. Completed Single Application Forms should be returned to Single Farm Payment Branch, Orchard House, 40 Foyle Street BT48 6AT or the nearest local DARD office.
2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.