Farmers encouraged to apply for £300m Single Application funding

The scheme, which is the largest source of income for local farmers, opened on Tuesday.

Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots, encouraged all farmers to apply early so they don’t miss out on the funding.

He said, “We have seen over recent years the importance and value of our local high quality food sector and the need to ensure the financial viability of these businesses.

“Our food producers should have confidence in their future so I would urge all farmers to apply early and use our Advisory Service helpline on 0300 200 7848 if they need any help or guidance.”

Single Applications and Entitlement Transfer applications can be submitted via DAERA’s Online Service.

The Entitlement Transfer Service will close on May 3. Single Applications must be submitted by May 16 to avoid a late claim penalty.

The last date for accepting Single Applications is June 9.

The Single Application is the method for claiming any of the following schemes: Basic Payment Scheme (BPS); Young Farmers’ Payment (YFP); Regional Reserve Entitlement allocation or top up (as a Young Farmer or New Entrant); Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS); Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS); Farm Woodland Scheme (FWS); Forest Expansion Scheme (Annual Premia); Small Woodland Grant Scheme (SWGS); or Protein Crops Scheme.

Mr Poots added, “The Protein Crops Scheme was a huge success in 2021 and will be available again in 2022. This scheme aims to encourage the production of combinable beans, peas and sweet lupins in Northern Ireland and is worth up to £330 per hectare, providing the 1,000 hectare cap is not reached. I would encourage farmers to consider planting these crops and applying for the support available on their Single Application.”

Farmers should also use the Single Application and Map Service to notify the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) of any changes to their land.

Farmers should submit their applications as soon as possible to allow adequate time to check all their information and ensure it is correct to avoid unnecessary penalties.

Customers logging on to DAERA Online Services in 2022 will be taken through a ‘two-factor authentication’ process, involving a security code sent to their mobile or email address.

This process is similar to that used for online banking, or other such services, and is now standard for online accounts.