Gildernew announces the launch of the 2010 application process

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced that farmers will receive their 2010 IACS/Single Application packs within the next few weeks.

Launching the 2010 application round, the Minister said: "Farmers who want to make a claim under the 2010 Single Farm Payment and 2011 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances schemes must submit a 2010 Single Application Form. This year there are changes relating to the Single Farm Payment and Energy and Protein Crop scheme. These are highlighted in the IACS Guide contained in this year’s information pack. I would ask farmers to make sure they are aware of any changes which may affect their 2010 application."

Referring to the Countryside Management and Organic Farming schemes, the Minister said: "For 2010, producers who hold agreements with a Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) or Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) starting on 1 January 2009, must claim their management payment by submitting a 2010 Single Application. I would like to remind producers that conacre is not eligible for NICMS and OFS. To avoid penalties, claimants should clearly distinguish between leased land and land taken as conacre on their Field Data Sheets.

"Producers who are already in agri-environment schemes or organic farming schemes established prior to 2009, do not need to use the 2010 IACS form. Instead, they should continue to make their annual claim by returning the specific claim form issued to them each year."

The Minister also stressed the importance of completing the Single Application Form correctly. She said: "Farmers should take the time to complete their applications carefully and return these well before the closing date of 17 May 2010. As all forms are now electronically 'read' directly onto the Department’s computer database, it is very important that these are filled in clearly and in black ink. Following these simple steps will avoid problems later and help to speed up the processing of your claim."

Minister Gildernew also reminded farmers about the need to act quickly to correct any errors on their Single Application form. She said: "If you discover that you have made a mistake or have used a map which is not up-to-date after sending in your 2010 form, please let us know as soon as possible. No penalty will be applied if you get in touch with us before we check your form. But, please remember that if we find the mistake and it is something that you should have told us about then you will be penalised. You are also reminded that, up to and including 1 June, you can make amendments to your application to increase the area you have claimed. Amendments to increase areas that are received between 2 and 11 June will be penalised and additions received after 12 June cannot be accepted.

"The EU rules state that we can only make payments on fully validated claims. This means that claims with queries cannot be paid until these have been resolved. Remember, it is in your interest to ensure that you complete your application accurately, and in doing so you will avoid penalties and delays in receiving your payment."

In conclusion the Minister added: "Rural subsidies are a major contributor to the rural economy and I want to make the application process as efficient and hassle free as possible. I wish to appeal to all applicants to work with us and help make the 2010 process as straight forward as possible."

Notes to editors:

1. Farmers must complete a 2010 IACS /Single Application Form to apply for any of the following Schemes:

• 2010 Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme
• Payment under the 2009 NI Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS and Organic Farming Scheme (OFS)
• 2011 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances (LFACA) Scheme

2. The closing date for applications is Monday 17 May 2010.

3. This year, in response to industry views, farmers are only being provided with summary information in their application packs. This reduces the amount of information that has to be read by applicants and reduces costs. More detailed information is available on request from local offices and on the Department’s website. Irish and Ulster Scots versions of the covering letter included in the application pack have also been placed on the website.

4. All media queries should be directed to the DARD Press office on 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.