Online applications for Single Farm Payment soar from 7,500 to 44,000

THE number of online applications for the Single Farm Payment scheme have soared in four years, which could be invaluable to farmers given the imminent deadline for the 2011 scheme, according to the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The deadline for this year’s applications is May 16. About 7,500 lodged online in 2007, the first year of the scheme. This rose to 19,500 in 2008, to 35,000 in 2009 and to 44,000 in 2010.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney cautioned farmers to get their applications in before the due date to avoid penalties.

He urged farmers to ensure their forms are fully accurate, and to avail of iNet, the department’s online facility for the scheme.

Mr Coveney said: “I am delighted to see that online applications under the 2011 scheme are currently running significantly ahead of the same point during the 2010 campaign. This is in line with the trend each year since the introduction of iNet in 2007.

“Indeed, at this stage, the numbers lodged online in 2011 have already exceeded those submitted online in 2010.

“The continuing increase in uptake is testament to the recognised benefits of iNet,” said the minister, outlining that, due to the system of in-built validations on the online facility, the options for applicants to make minor errors on their applications is dramatically restricted.

Mr Coveney also cited the new option for 2011 whereby relevant maps can now also be submitted online with the application.

“This is further evidence of the ongoing commitment to maximise the use of technology for the benefit of farmers,” Mr Coveney said.