Around 38,000 Single Applications were received by 15 May 2009. Applications will continue to be accepted up to and including 9 June 2009. EU rules require a 1% penalty to be applied to applications received by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) after 15 May 2009 for each working day the claim is delayed after 15 May. Applications received after 9 June 2009 will not be accepted.
Amendments to valid applications already submitted can be made before 9 June. Amendments received on or before 1 June 2009 will be made without reduction to the claim. Amendments made between 2 June and 9 June 2009 will incur a 1% reduction per working day from 2 June 2009 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an inspection is also possible, provided no irregularities have been found in respect of the field parcel to be withdrawn.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 an irregularity has not already been identified and advised by the Department and provided an inspection has not already been notified or undertaken.
Farm businesses are also reminded that they must meet all the eligibility requirements for each scheme applied for on their Single Application. For example, if a business claiming a Single Farm Payment (SFP) is leasing land or letting land in conacre it must retain sufficient control of that land to meet the SFP eligibility conditions.
Notes to Editors:
1. Completed Single Applications should be returned to Single Farm Payment Branch at Orchard House, Orchard House, 40 Foyle Street, Derry /Londonderry, BT48 6AT or the nearest DARD local office.
2. Farmers 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 field data sheets should be made on form SAF3 which was included in the application pack. SAF3 forms are also available on request from Orchard House ( telephone 028 71 3119900) or from local DARD offices.
3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel 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.
