Latest news with #AreasofNaturalConstraints
Agriland
15-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
DAFM confirms ‘issues' with IT systems ahead of BISS deadline
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that it experienced some issues with access to IT systems, including the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS), yesterday afternoon (May 14). A DAFM spokesperson told Agriland that users were unable to access the system for 'a very short period of time', believed to be approximately 15 minutes. The spokesperson said: 'Once access was restored, the system did run slowly for a period of time for some customers, but farmers and advisors were able to submit forms. 'System performance has been fully restored and application numbers are on track.' Today (Thursday, May 15) is the final day to apply for the BISS scheme, and the department said there are no plans to extend the deadline. It said: 'As of 10:30 am (Thursday, May 15) 120,769 applications have been received, which is approximately 97% of expected applications.' DAFM Applications for the BISS seem to be following the same trend that is usually seen with BISS applications, with weekly application figures increasing notably as the deadline approaches. BISS opened for applications on February 11. By April 23, the application figure was just shy of 64,000. Over the next two weeks to Wednesday of last week, some 30,000 more applications had been made, and in the last week alone, around 25,000 further applications have been made. Last year, 124,274 BISS and other area-based scheme applications were submitted to the department from across the country by the deadline. It is expected that applications will continue to be received by the department throughout today right up to the deadline. The BISS deadline is also the deadline for the related submission of applications for other schemes including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CISYF), eco-scheme, Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme, and transfers of entitlements. Farmers who are seeking support with their applications can contact the department's Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057-8674422.
Agriland
07-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
BISS applications exceed 93,000 one week from closing date
With the closing date for applications under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area based schemes just over a week away, the number of applications at present has exceeded 93,000. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed to Agriland that the number of applications for these schemes, as of this morning (Wednesday, May 7) is 93,478. This means some 30,000 farmers have applied for BISS and related schemes and measures in the past two weeks alone; on April 23, the figure was 63,993. BISS opened for application on February 11. Last year, 124,274 BISS and other area-based scheme applications were submitted to the department from across the country by the deadline. The update from the department comes just over seven days from the closing date of midnight on Thursday of next week (May 15). The BISS deadline is also the deadline for the related submission of applications for other schemes including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CISYF), eco-scheme, Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme, and transfers of entitlements. With the deadline of the 2025 BISS applications just over a week away, farmers are being urged by the department to submit their applications as soon as possible. Support in navigating the application process was provided by the department this week through in person clinics and online. Extended opening hours will also operate at the Direct Payment Unit at department offices in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, if farmers wish to call in and discuss their application with department staff. There is one more in person clinic scheduled this week, at the department offices in Clonakilty, Co. Cork tomorrow (Thursday, May 8), from 10:00a.m to 4:30p.m. Farmers can also contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057-8674422. The lines will be open for extended hours in the run-up to the application deadline as follows: Between 9:00a.m and 9:00p.m from May 6 to May 9; Between 9:30a.m and 5:00p.m on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11; Between 9:00a.m and 9:00p.m from Monday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 14; Between 9:00a.m and midnight on Thursday, May 15. Department staff will also be available to assist at the public counter in the department office in Portlaoise during these extended opening hours. In person consultations are available until half an hour before closing time on each of the days. Farmers must apply for BISS and other area-based payments using the department's online facility They must log onto and click on the BISS/area-based schemes link to start their applications. Alternatively, farmers can contact a Farm Advisory System (FAS)-approved advisor to make the application on their behalf.
Agriland
02-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Closing date for BISS applications looms
With the deadline of the 2025 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) applications just over a fortnight away, farmers are being to submit their applications as soon as possible. Supports organised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) are available through in person clinics next week and online. Extended opening hours will also operate in Portlaoise, Co. Laois if farmers wish to call in and discuss their application with department staff. The BISS deadline of midnight on Wednesday, May 15 is also the deadline for the related submission of applications for other schemes including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CISYF), eco-scheme, Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) and transfers of entitlements. The department has been helping farmers to make their applications in recent weeks through its in-person BISS clinics at locations around the country and there are three more clinics scheduled for next week: Date Location Time Tuesday, May 6 Minella Hotel, Clonmel 10:00a.m – 4:30p.m Wednesday, May 7 Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown 10:00a.m – 4:30p.m Thursday, May 8 DAFM offices, Clonakilty 10:00a.m – 4:30p.m DAFM BISS information clinics Farmers can also contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057-8674422. The lines will be open for extended hours in the run-up to the application deadline as follows: Between 9:00a.m and 9:00p.m from Tuesday, May 6 to Friday, May 9; Between 9:30a.m and 5:00p.m on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11; Between 9:00a.m and 9:00p.m on Monday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 14; Between 9:00a.m and 12 midnight on Thursday, May 15. DAFM staff will also be available to assist at the public counter in the department office in Portlaoise during these extended opening hours. In person consultations are available until half an hour before closing time on each of the days. Farmers must apply for BISS and other area-based payments using the department's online facility They must log onto and click on the BISS/area-based schemes link to start their applications. Alternatively, farmers can contact a Farm Advisory System (FAS) approved advisor to make the application on their behalf. Should farmers wish to contact the department in relation to online applications they can do so at: 049 4368288 – in relation to queries on registering for – e.g., queries on lost passwords, how to register; 057 8674422 in relation to queries on completing the BISS application or to request a paper copy of the Terms and Conditions.
