Gildernew asks farmers to help speed up the single farm payment process

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has announced that farmers will receive their 2009 IACS/Single Application packs within the next few weeks.

Launching the 2009 Application round, the Minister said, “As a result of the recent Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Health Check there are a number of changes to the Single Application this year.  The main changes are highlighted in the IACS Guide contained in the information pack and I would ask farmers to make sure they are aware of any changes which may affect their 2009 application”.  

She also stressed the importance of completing the form correctly, saying “Farmers should take the time to carefully complete their applications and return these well before the closing date of 15 May 2009.  As all Single Applications 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.  I would also remind farmers of the availability of the on-line service and the advantages of completing applications on-line.  

“From 2009, the Single Application includes Agri-environment Schemes. Those producers who hold agreements with a NI Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) or Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) starting on 1 January 2009, must claim their management payment by submitting a Single Application.  This does not apply to those producers already in agri environment schemes or organic farming prior to 2009.  To avoid penalties, applicants should clearly distinguish between leased land and land taken as conacre on their Field Data Sheets as land taken as conacre is not eligible for NICMS and OFS”.  

The Minister also reminded farmers about the need to act quickly to remedy any errors on their Single Application form, saying that: “If you discover, after you have sent in your 2009 form that you have made a mistake or have used a map which is not up-to-date, tell DARD as soon as possible.  If you do this before my Department finds the error or mistake, you will not be penalised for it.  However, you can only add fields to your claim up to 9 June.  If you add fields between 1 – 9 June you may be penalised””

“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 processing”.

Notes to Editors

1. Farmers must complete a 2009 IACS /Single Application form to apply for any of the following Schemes:

•2009 Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme

•2009 Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS)

•2009 Organic Farming Scheme (OFS)

•2009 Aid for Energy Crops (ECS)

•2009 Protein Crop Premium (PCP)

•2010 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances (LFACA) Scheme

2. The closing date for applications is 15 May 2009.

3. Irish and Ulster Scots versions of the covering letter included in the Application pack has been placed on the Department's website at www.dardni.gov.uk.

4. 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.