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Deadline Extended for Applications from Orchard and Nursery Stock Producers

Tuesday, 2 September 2008

DARD has extended the deadline for applications from orchard and nursery stock producers for Single Farm Payment (SFP) entitlements to 3 October 2008

After carrying out a further review of its records, the Department has identified more orchard and nursery stock producers who may be eligible to apply for new SFP entitlements. Application packs have now been issued to these producers and the original deadline for receipt of completed applications of 12 September 2008 has been extended to 3 October 2008.

The number of entitlements allocated will equal the area used to grow orchard and/or nursery crops in 2007 and the value of each entitlement will be €78.33/ha. Entitlements can be used to claim SFP from the 2009 SFP Scheme year and future years.

In all cases any individual parcel of land used for orchard or nursery stock production in 2007 must be at least 0.1 hectare. If producers do not already hold SFP entitlements, the total area used for orchard or nursery stock production in 2007 must be at least 0.3 hectare

Application Forms and Notes for Guidance are also available on request from Orchard House, telephone 028 7131 9900 or contact local DARD offices.

Completed applications should be returned to Single Farm Payment Branch, Orchard House, 40 Foyle Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6AT or the nearest local DARD office on or before 3 October 2008.

Applications received after this date will not be accepted, except in the case of Force Majeure or Exceptional Circumstances.

Notes to Editors:

  1. Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA announced her decision on the fruit and vegetable CAP reforms on 5 June 2008.
  2. In late July, DARD opened the application process to allocate new SFP entitlements to those involved in orchard and nursery stock production in 2007.
  3. All media queries to DARD Press Office on 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.