Late payment applications can prove costly

In 2011, 1,700 farmers lost out on €1.6m in single farm payments, because their applications were unduly late, or because they forgot to put in an application.

Farmers have missed the deadline despite efforts by the Department of Agriculture to publicise the need to make a valid application before May 15. This year, a new system of text alerts for 90,000 farmers who have their mobile telephone details registered with the Department is expected to reduce the number of farmers missing out on vital direct payments (including more than €1.234bn of single farm payments to 123,552 farmers).

Payments since 2005 have totalled €9bn, when the disadvantaged areas scheme, the suckler cow welfare Scheme, REPS, the grassland sheep scheme and others are included.