Last week the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine advised farmers that the application process for the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Greening Scheme has now opened online.

Over the past few days, farmers have been receiving a BPS information pack in the post containing maps and land details and on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Farm Management Specialist James McDonnell, joins Catherine Egan to discuss all you need to know about your basic payment application online form.

James went through all elements of the Direct Payments Schemes (BPS, Greening, Young Farmers Scheme, National Reserve, transferring of entitlements, and the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme).

The closing date for BPS applications in 2021 is Monday 17th May and with Covid-19 restrictions, applications will be completed over the phone with your advisor. He advised farmers to check through maps and applications before and after the appointment.

James urges farmers to avail of the early opening of the application process now rather than waiting until nearer the closing date.

For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at:

teagasc.ie/thebeefedge