The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has stated that over the coming days, farmers will be receiving a BISS information pack in the post containing their maps and land details for 2024. The pack will also include a useful help sheet and this will assist farmers and their advisors to make their online application. The closing date for BISS applications in 2024 is Wednesday May 15. Farmers and advisors are urged to avail of the early opening of the application process now rather than waiting until nearer the closing date.
Farmers can apply for all elements of direct payments (BISS, eco-schemes, complementary income support for young farmers, protein aid, national reserve, transferring of entitlements) online. This helps to ensure that the DAFM can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.
Farmers are reminded to check that they have correctly applied for the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) and eco-scheme, if applicable. Annual payment claims for the Straw Incorporation Measure, ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme can also be made online. In the case of ACRES Tranche 2 applicants, access to the BISS application system will be made available on a gradual basis over the coming weeks, as approvals issue and as the required updates to mapping systems are made.