Online is the way to go for BPS ‘17

FARMERS have been strongly advised to make their Basic Payment application online this year to ensure early processing, the reduction of errors and payments arriving on time to them.

Last year, 102,000 applications out of 130,000 (78.5%) were made online as compared to just 7,540 back in 2007 – next year (2018) all Basic Payments applications will have to be made online.

Both the IFA and agricultural consultants have advised the ‘paper applicants’ from last year to ‘switch horses’ this year in order to prevent any unnecessary hold-ups in payments.

New Inn Agricultural Consultant, Vincent Costello, said that with the online applications, the Dept. of Agriculture did a preliminary check to flag problems in advance without any penalty being imposed.

“The online application prompts you as you go through the form to make sure that there’s nothing obvious left out. It can also be used to map out your areas and it will be mandatory from next year to apply online – so really it is the way to go,” said Vincent Costello.

IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy said that the IFA had ensured that the pre-checking system for all online BPS applications introduced last year would be available again this year.

He said that the benefits of using the online system were considerable and included an earlier application date, pre-checking, instant confirmation of receipt of application, reduced application errors and greater accuracy, maps online, text alert from the Department, payment on time within deadlines and linkages to other schemes.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.