Basic Payment Scheme open for 2021 applications

THE application process for the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Greening Scheme opened last Thursday. Farmers will be receiving a BPS information pack in the post containing maps and land details. The pack will also include a useful help sheet.

This information will assist farmers in making their online application. The closing date for BPS applications in 2021 is Monday, May 17. All farmers will be also be notified of the value of their payment entitlements through agfood.ie. Farmers may note that this year there will be a reduction of 2.05% in order to respect the national direct payments ceiling on foot of the agreement reached on the EU Budget in late 2020.

The Department of Agriculture is urging farmers and advisors to avail of the early opening of the application process now rather than waiting until nearer the closing date.

All elements of the Direct Payments Schemes (BPS, Greening, Young Farmers Scheme, National Reserve, transferring of entitlements, and the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme) are now online.

The Department says that this helps to ensure that they can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.

Should farmers wish to contact the department in relation to online application they can do so at 076 1064424 in relation to queries on registering for www.agfood.ie – for example queries on lost passwords, how to register etc, and on 076 1064420 in relation to queries on actually completing the BPS application once registered on www.agfood.ie or to request a paper copy of the terms and conditions.