More than 60,000 helped by Teagasc
Head of Teagasc Advisory Services Pat Boyle said the demand for assistance in the completion of the application forms was unprecedented, necessitating many farmers waiting in long queues in offices.
Mr Boyle thanked all farmers for their understanding and patience and Teagasc staff for their commitment during the demanding period.
“Many advisers worked 16 and 18-hour days to ensure all farmers in need of assistance were facilitated,” he said.
Mr Boyle said the resources Teagasc committed to the campaign reflected the importance it attached to the completion and submission, by every farmer, of applications.
He said he was particularly pleased with the cooperation between the Department of Agriculture Food and Teagasc during the campaign.
A series of countrywide public meetings, prior to the distribution of the forms, was a vital factor in promoting the scheme and creating awareness of its importance to farmers.
Mr Boyle said any farmer wishing to make changes or corrections to their application form may do so by submitting an amendment to their single payment application before the May 31 deadline.
He said Teagasc advisers are available to assist farmers with amendments to their application and he urged anyone who wishes to do so to contact their local adviser immediately.
Mr Boyle also said with the single payment application and amendment period coming to an end, farmers must refocus their energies to enterprise management.
