NI entitlement transfer deadline approaching fast

Time is running out for farmers in Northern Ireland to complete a transfer of entitlements for the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

The deadline is 4 May 2020 and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) urged farmers to act quickly.

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“To date, over 3,000 entitlement transfers for the 2020 scheme year have been completed by farm businesses, an increase of 19% compared with 2019,” a spokesperson for the department said.

“We would urge those farmers who need to complete an entitlement transfer to please do so by the closing date of 4 May 2020, otherwise the entitlements will not take effect until the 2021 scheme year.”

How to apply

Daera said that as well as application forms, its website included “How-to” videos to walk farmers through the process.

It has also set up a phone line and email for those farmers without reliable internet access.

The Single Application Advisory service can be contacted on 0300 200 7848 or via email at areabasedschemes@daera-ni.gov.uk.

The spokesperson urged anyone transferring entitlements due to an inheritance, or anticipated inheritance, to contact Daera by phone as soon as possible, to ensure the application could be submitted in time.