With just over two weeks remaining to submit single applications before the 16 May deadline, DARD is urging more farmers to join the 6,200 who have already submitted their Single Application via DARD’s online service.
If 70% of Single Applications are submitted online DARD has committed to making advance payments in October 2016.
A DARD spokesperson said: “Our message to farmers during the Single Application period is ‘help us to help you’ by submitting your application online this year. Over 6,200 applications have been submitted online, but we need this trend to continue if we are to reach 70% online, which will result in advance payments being issued in October 2016”.
“If more farmers submit their application online then less resources will be required to carry out validation checks, which means that resources can be re-directed to making more payments earlier to more farmers.”
Highlighting the advantages of using online applications rather than paper format, the DARD spokesperson added: “For 2016 we have made further improvements to the online service, making it even easier to use.”
“Currently more than 1,000 farm businesses have reaped the benefits of switching to online application for 2016.”
Benefits include:
* Secure system, available 24hrs a day
* Helpful tools and alerts to help avoid mistakes that otherwise could lead to penalties being applied
* Inclusion of your most up-to-date map – allowing you to make changes on your map or field data table.
* In most cases, where changes are made on the electronic map, there will be no requirement to complete a LPIS Correction Form.
* The online service will calculate your greening requirement for you and advise if this has been met based on your land information.
* You will receive an electronic receipt and summary of your claim.
* If you need to make further changes then you can log back into the system and make those changes.
If you have an Ecological Focus Area (EFA) requirement you must complete your application online. EFA requirements may apply if you have more than 15 hectares of arable land and you don’t qualify for an exemption. Read the Guide to the Greening Payment for the rules that apply.
Don’t forget to complete all the questions for the Scheme(s) you wish to claim and to check if you need to provide supporting evidence in person.
Young Farmers’ Payment and/or Regional Reserve
If you applied successfully for the Young Farmers’ payment in 2015 you don’t need to submit a YFP/RR Form and supporting evidence but you must ensure you select ‘yes’ to apply for your 2016 payment on your Single Application.
If you applied for the Young Farmers’ Payment and/or to the Regional Reserve in 2015 and were unsuccessful you may apply again in 2016 if you meet all of the scheme conditions. If you wish to apply, you must submit a YFP/RR Form along with your supporting evidence, in person, by 16 May to avoid late claim penalties.
You must also make sure you select ‘yes’ to apply for Young Farmers’ Payment and/or the Regional Reserve, either as a young farmer or a new entrant, on your Single Application.
Please ensure that you complete all the questions for the Scheme(s) you wish to apply for and to check if you need to provide supporting evidence in person.
If you are already registered and have a Government Gateway ID you will be able to access your Single Application and Map on DARD Online Services now. If you require a Government Gateway ID please contact DARD Online Services helpdesk on: 028 9442 6699 or via email to:
info@ruralni.gov.uk
Further information and guidance booklets are available on the Department’s website at: DARD area based schemes
You can also get help to complete your application by calling 0300 200 7848 and asking to speak to a SAF Advisor or you can email your query to: areabasedschemes@dardni.gov.uk
The closing date for this years’ Single Application is 16 May 2016. For those who choose the online option applications will be accepted up to midnight on 16 May 2016. Paper applications must be submitted within normal office hours.
