Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill has announced that farmers will be provided with updated maps to assist them in completing their 2015 Single Application Form (SAF).
The last release of maps to all farm businesses was in 2013, so a further complete set of maps will be issued this autumn to help farmers prepare for the changes being implemented under CAP Reform and to complete their 2015 Single Application Form (SAF). The map pack will include:-
* an explanatory letter developed following consultation with UFU, NIAPA and NIACA, * a map and Field Information Table (FIT) that show the fields associated with the farm business (based on their 2014 SAF), and * a LPIS Correction Form (to report any updates required).
These maps will reflect updated field boundary information and ineligible areas captured in more detail. This information will be used to pre-print the 2015 SAF.
Minister O’Neill said: “To help farm businesses make an accurate claim for payment for the schemes which will replace the Single Farm Payment, we are sending farmers the most up-to-date mapping information which we hold about their business. It is vital that farmers look at this information very carefully and that they report any updates which may be required.
“Farmers should note that the map is designed to only show fields they declared on their 2014 Single Application. It is also vital to remember that the information contained on the map reflects a point in time, and changes may have happened on the ground which need to be reported to DARD.
“I must stress that It is in the farmer’s interest, and it is their responsibility, to ensure that their map is up-to-date and that all ineligible areas are removed. This is continually emphasised in the advice and guidance provided to farmers. Inaccurate claims can lead to penalties being applied and may result in no payment being made in certain circumstances.”
Farmers should report any required updates by 12 December. DARD will issue further maps in early 2015 to reflect the updates reported by farmers or made by DARD (for example, as a result of an on-the-spot inspection).
Under the new CAP Reform requirements only active farmers (the person(s) enjoying the decision making power (the benefits and the financial risks in relation to agricultural activity being carried out on the land) are entitled to make a claim.
It is intended that farm businesses will receive Single Application Forms in late March 2015.
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