Deadline approaches for submitting Single Applications

LOCAL farmers have been reminded of the closing date for the return of completed Single Applications.

For 2012, all completed Single Applications must be received by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on or before 15 May 2012.

Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill reported that with just over two weeks until the closing date, around 8,500 applications had been received.

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She added: “ I am only too well aware of the challenges farmers are experiencing in the current economic climate, and I understand the importance of Single Farm Payment and other area aid schemes to them. For that reason, I would urge those farmers who have not already submitted their 2012 Single Applications to do so as soon as possible and no later than 15 May. As applications received by my Department after the closing are subject to a financial penalty, it is important that farmers do not lose out simply because they are late in applying.”

The Minister also encouraged more farmers to use her Department’s Single Application online service.

She said: “The online system is safe, secure and easy to use. It automatically checks applications for errors and omissions as the application is being completed, reducing the time my Department spends processing and checking after they have been submitted. The more accurate claims are, the fewer queries and problems that will arise later, which should in turn help speed up payment processing.”

Farmers who would like to find out more about the Single Application online service should visit the Department’s website at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/onlineservices or telephone 0300 200 7843.

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