Gildernew launches farm map update initiative

Minister Michelle Gildernew, MP MLA, has launched an initiative to provide local farmers with the opportunity to update their farm maps.

The scheme will allow farmers to correct their farm maps to ensure they claim only eligible land and help avoid delay in the processing of subsidy claims.

Minister Gildernew said: “This is a good opportunity for farmers to update their maps prior to completing their 2009 Single Application Form. They can make an appointment with their local DARD office between 23 February and 30 March to review their farm maps.”

Farmers will be able to view their map on screen along with the aerial photograph. This will help them identify features that need to be excluded from field areas.  

The Minister added: “This will be beneficial to farmers when it comes to completing their 2009 Single Application Form.  A corrected map will enable them to adjust both field areas and the area in each field that can be claimed.  Ineligible features such as scrub, need to be deducted from the area of the field before claiming the balance.  It is hoped that this initiative will result in fewer corrections at inspection and will help my Department to make payments faster in the relevant cases.

“I expect there will be strong interest in this initiative.  Due to the limited number of map editors available, the service will be offered on a first come, first served basis at seven DARD offices. I would urge farmers to make an appointment with their nearest office in order to avail of this service.”

Appointments to view farm maps can be made by contacting the following offices:

2 Newry Road,
Armagh
BT60 1EN
Telephone: (028) 3751 5600

Kilpatrick House
38-54 High Street
Ballymena
BT43 6DT
Telephone: (028) 2566 2862

Crown Buildings
Artillery Rd
Coleraine
BT52 2AJ
Telephone: (028) 7034 1111

Rathkeltair House,
Market St,
Downpatrick
BT30 6LZ
Telephone: (028) 4461 221

Crown Buildings
Thomas Street
Dungannon
BT70 1HR
Telephone: (028) 8775 4777

Inishkeen House
Killyhevlin Industrial Estate
Enniskillen
BT74 4EJ
Telephone: (028) 6632 5004

Sperrin House
Sedan Avenue
Omagh
BT79 7AQ
Telephone: (028) 8225 1020

Notes to Editors:

1. Single Application Forms  will be issued to farmers in March 2009 and are due for return by 15 May 2009. Appointments to view farm maps can be made by contacting the above offices.
2. When a client attends an appointment they will receive a GIS 2 form on which they will be able to record changes to their land. During their appointment they can view areas that require attention.  It is then the farmer’s responsibility to complete a GIS 2 and return it to their local office.  A revised farm map will be issued after the amendments are made on the Department’s Geographical Information System (GIS).
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.