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In what is the final year of paper applications for the BPS, the 2017 online application system has opened.
On Monday, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed revealed that the application system had finally opened.
"I am delighted to announce that the online application system for applications under the 2017 BPS is now open. In addition, application packs are currently being posted to all applicants.
"In 2017 I am again looking to build on the recent growth in online applications for the BPS given the range of benefits that online applications provide both for farmers and my Department in terms of the more efficient processing of applications and payments," Minister Creed said.
Applications can be made up to Monday 15 May without a farmer being subject to penalties.
BPS was previously known as the Single Farm Payment.
Preliminary checks
2016 saw the introduction for the first time of preliminary checks for online applications.
According to the Department, these preliminary checks "allow online applicants to be advised of certain errors at an early stage and to correct any such issues without penalty".
Delayed opening
The Department of Agriculture has been slow to open the 2017 application process.
In response to a query from the Irish Farmers Journal last week, the Department said it would be mid-March by the time the system opened.
This almost a month later than in 2016.
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