10th May, 2013

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association is urging all farmers to submit their completed Single Farm Payment forms ahead of the deadline on Wednesday (15th May).

ICSA president Gabriel Gilmartin said, “The Single Farm Payment is important every year but I think we will see farmers more reliant on it this year than they have been in a long time. Massive feed bills are mounting every day as a direct result of the bad weather so I foresee this year’s payment being absolutely crucial to the viability of many farms.”

“Late submission of the forms will attract financial penalties so I would urge all farmers to make completion of the Single Farm Payment forms a priority over the coming days if they haven’t done so already. Every year farmers lose out on significant amounts of money due to late application – losses which could easily be avoided. Amendments can be made after the deadline so the important thing is to get the form in on time.”

Mr Gilmartin added, “I would also remind everyone that you can no longer hand the paper form into your local DVO so bear that in mind when submitting it. ICSA has already pointed to the fact that the online service is simply not a viable option for many farmers and so I would call on the Minister to realise the folly of not allowing them to be handed in locally and review the situation for next year’s round of applications.”