The application process for the allocation of new Single Farm Payment (SFP) entitlements to orchard and nursery producers has now opened. Producers who were involved in orchard or nursery crop production in 2007 may be eligible to apply for SFP entitlements.
In the next few days the Department will send an Application Form and Notes for Guidance to all those who it can identify from its records as being orchard or nursery crop producers in 2007.
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.
Application Forms and Notes for Guidance are also available on request from Orchard House, telephone 028 7131 9900 or contact local DARD offices.
Anyone who considers themselves eligible to apply for SFP entitlements as an orchard or nursery crop producer and does not receive an application form by 28 July 2008 should contact the Department to request one.
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 12 September 2008. Applications received after this date will not be accepted, except in the case of exceptional circumstances.
Notes to Editors:
- Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms to the fruit and vegetable sector were agreed by the EU Agricultural Council on 12 June 2007 and are contained in Council Regulation (EC) No. 1182/2007.
- DARD held a consultation on this subject from 7 October 2007 to 31 January 2008.
- Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA announced her decision on the fruit and vegetable CAP reforms on 5 June 2008.
- The number of entitlements allocated will equal the area used to grow these crops in 2007 and the value of each entitlement will be €78.33/ha.
- Entitlements can be used to claim SFP for the 2009 SFP Scheme year and future years.
- All media enquiries to the DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
