No Single Payment forms, says retired group
Group chairman Seán Guerin requested Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan to extend the Single Payment application period beyond next Monday’s official closing date, so that retired farmers can apply, in conjunction with lessees to whom they have let their lands, or on their own without declaring land (a retired farmer can retain entitlements to 2007, but they must then be activated with land, said Mr Guerin).
He said farmers can get more information from his own group at 068 36153 and 086 2202375 or Department of Agriculture helplines.
Meanwhile, more than 500 Teagasc advisory and administrative support staff are available in over 100 offices to help farmers complete and submit their Single Payment Scheme application before the May 16 deadline.
Pat Boyle, Director, Advisory Services, said the Teagasc priority this week is to help and assist farmers with their applications.
“This is the most important form that most farmers will submit in their career. Teagasc is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that every farmer in need of assistance is looked after”, he said.
“The submission of a completed Single Payment Form on or before this date will determine the viability of many Irish farms at least up to 2013. Farmers must act now and seek help if necessary”, he advised.
