Extension of Basic Payment Application to June – IFA

IFA President Eddie Downey said that the closing date for the 2015 EU Basic Payment application (Area based schemes) can be extended to June. He said this would provide necessary breathing space for farmers and advisors, but it cannot result in any delay in payments later in the year.

Eddie Downey said the extension in the application deadline from May 15th to June will also help to maximise GLAS applications.

The IFA President said there is still a lot confusion in relation to the implementation of the new CAP rules for 2015 and farmers must be given adequate time to take the necessary steps to maximise their payments. He said Minister Coveney must seize this opportunity to extend the closing date in line with what is happening in other EU countries.

Eddie Downey said farmers and planners should continue to push hard in order to get the maximum number of area aid applications in as early as possible as this will facilitate early processing and payment.