News

Opening date for Single Application announced, says UFU

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is informing members that the £300million Single Application and Map Service and Entitlements Transfer Service, will open on 1 March 2023. Announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), this is the method farmers must use to claim any of the following schemes: 

  • Basic Payment Scheme (BPS);
  • Young Farmers’ Payment (YFP);
  • Regional Reserve Entitlement allocation or top up (as a young farmer or new entrant);
  • Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS);
  • Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS);
  • Farm Woodland Scheme (FWS);
  • Forest Expansion Scheme (Annual Premia);
  • Small Woodland Grant Scheme (SWGS); 
  • Protein Crops Scheme (extended for another year due to success of the two-year pilot).

UFU president David Brown said, “With the opening date for the single application only weeks away, we’re encouraging farmers to apply for any schemes they’re entitled to in plenty of time. This is vital to ensure they have all the information required and to avoid unnecessary penalties. The BPS in particular, is the main income stream for many farmers across Northern Ireland and any delay in receiving this support could cause difficulties. If there are any changes to land, farmers should use the Single Application and Map Service to notify DAERA as soon as possible.”

Applications to the 2023 Single Application and Maps Service and Entitlements Transfer Service, can be made via DAERA’s online services from 1 March 2023. The Entitlement Transfer applications must be submitted by Tuesday 2 May 2023 and Single Applications by Monday 15 May 2023 to avoid late claim penalties. The final date to submit Single Applications is Friday 9 June 2023.If farmers experience any difficulty in submitting their application or have questions, they can contact the DAERA Advisory Service helpline (0300 200 7848), visit the DAERA website (click here) or local office.