BISS Closing Date Just Days Away

IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe has reminded farmers that the closing date for the 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) is next Mon, 29^th May.

“Department figures suggest over 99,000 BISS applications have been submitted so far. This means there is a significant number of farmers out there who have yet to apply,” Brian Rushe said.

“When you consider the importance of direct payments to farm income; the new application infrastructure; and multiple new schemes this year; it’s key farmers get their applications in on time,” he said.

Next Monday is the deadline not only for BISS but a range of other schemes too – including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, the National Reserve, and Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC).

“I’d encourage farmers, particularly those submitting applications themselves, to double check that applications aren’t still on the AgFood.ie system in draft format,” the IFA Deputy President added.

Brian Rushe also advised farmers to check that all schemes have been applied for, and that Space for Nature estimations haven’t materially adjusted after the DAFM recently identified system anomalies that have since been corrected, as there is still time to make amendments. Farmers can amend their application without incurring a penalty until June 14^th.

Brian Rushe also acknowledged the extension of the closing date for transfers of entitlements only until midnight on June 14th to deal with the backlog of applications coming through.

DAFM have held BISS Clinics around the country this week. The final two clinics will take place between 11am-6pm at the venues below:

• Wed, 24^th May – Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, Co Tipperary                 
• Thurs, 25th May – Spring Hill Court Hotel Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny

Farmers can also contact DAFM’s Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057-8674422 for application queries. The lines will be open for extended hours in the run up to the application deadline.