Deadline for farm payment applications

FARMERS were reminded yesterday that Thursday is the deadline for the submission of applications for the single farm payment.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith said he is concerned that more than 40,000 applications are still outstanding from those who made an application in 2007.

He urged all farmers to complete their application form and submit it immediately.

As a further help to farmers to meet the deadline, he said all department offices will remain open until 9pm on Thursday.

Mr Smith said late applications will be accepted by his department up to June 9 next, but a penalty must be applied to them at the rate of 1% of the payment for each working day that it is late.

He also reminded online applicants and agriculture consultants registered on a farmer’s behalf to ensure the application is submitted to the department.

“If you do not have all your details to hand by next Thursday, complete the form to the best of your ability and get it into one of the department’s offices.

“You can use an amendment form to submit any further details up to May 31,” Mr Smith advised farmers.

IFA deputy president Derek Deane also issued an urgent reminder to all farmers to make their application.

He said the application this year is more vital than ever as it incorporates the three main schemes — the Single Farm Payment, Disadvantaged Areas Payment and the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS).

Mr Deane expressed concern that up to 40,000 farmers had still to submit their application before Thursday’s deadline.

Reminding farmers the deadline for new applications for REPS 4 is also on Thursday, he said this is putting a lot of pressure on farmers and their advisors/ consultants.

ICMSA deputy president John O’Leary, said only 50% of the applications have so far been lodged.

He said this was due todifficulty in getting sufficient land for entitlements and the logjam caused by REPS applications having to be submitted by May 15 to secure payment in 2008.