Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has highlighted the availability of a ‘Guide to Area-based Schemes 2015’ booklet, providing information on the area-based schemes that are available to claim in 2015.
The Area Based Schemes which can be claimed on the Single Application Form are as follows:
* The Basic Payment Scheme and Greening Payment; * Young Farmers’ Payment; * Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme (subject to approval and if available); * NI Countryside Management Scheme; * NI Organic Farming Scheme; * Farm Woodland Premium Scheme; and * Farm Woodland Scheme.
As well as being issued to claimants to area-based schemes in hard copy with the Single Application Form (SAF) pack later in March, the Guide is also available on the DARD website.
The Guide highlights the changes to area-based schemes in 2015 due to the reform of the European Union Common Agricultural Policy. It provides information on the eligibility for each scheme, how to apply and where to access more detailed information.
The Minister said: “The Guide to Area-based Schemes 2015 is now available online and in advance of the issue of the SAF packs. Those who wish to can access the online information contained within the guide in advance of receiving their SAF pack in the post. It is important that farmers read the guide carefully and understand where the rules have changed. This is especially important in 2015 as entitlements will be allocated for the Basic Payment Scheme.”
Those interested in applying to area-based schemes must do so using the online Single Application or the paper Single Application Form.
The Guidance document is available to download from:
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