The submission of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications is on target, despite disruption to meetings with advisors and consultants.

The Department of Agriculture reported that there were 39,534 applications submitted online as of Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson for the Department said they are happy with this level of activity and encouraged farmers to continue to proceed with applications and not delay unnecessarily.

The advantage of sticking to the 15 May deadline is that the Department will be in a position to process payments at the earliest opportunity next autumn.

This goes for all scheme deadlines and the Department is advising applicants to progress with applications such as nitrates derogation plans, the transfer of entitlements, young farmers scheme and the national reserve as soon as possible.

If you have forgotten your PAC, password or are having any difficulties logging on to agfood.ie, you can e-mail the Department agfood@agriculture.gov.ie or Lo-call 0761 064424.

Fires take off

Firefighters battled numerous fires across a number of counties over the last week and county councils have called on landowners to cease and desist all controlled burning immediately.

It is illegal to burn land between 1 March and 1 September.

The Department of Agriculture has warned farmers that the inclusion of illegally burnt land in the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme application may result in reduced payment and penalties under this scheme and the other area-based schemes.

Illegal burning can also render the land of your neighbours ineligible for payment.

Some fires have required multiple fire brigades and emergency services are seeking co-operation in ceasing all fires, citing that it could affect their ability to respond to the COVID-19 national emergency.