Farmers urged to submit Single Applications by deadline to avoid penalties

Farmers across Northern Ireland are being reminded to submit their Single Applications by midnight on 15 May, as the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) warns of financial penalties for late submissions.

Minister Andrew Muir has called on agricultural businesses to act promptly to ensure access to essential payments and support schemes that underpin the sustainability of the local farming sector.

“I would encourage all farmers who have yet to submit their Single Applications to do so without delay given this is integral to securing the financial viability of their businesses in the coming year,” the Minister stated.

The Single Application is a vital process through which farmers can claim support from a range of DAERA schemes, including:

• Farm Sustainability Transition Payment (FSTP)

• Young Farmers’ Payment (YFP)

• Regional Reserve Entitlement allocation or top-up

• Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS)

• Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS)

• Farm Woodland Scheme (FWS)

• Forest Expansion Scheme (Annual Premia)

• Small Woodland Grant Scheme (SWGS)

• Protein Crop Scheme

Applications submitted after 15 May will incur late claim penalties, with 9 June being the absolute final deadline for submissions.

Online Access and Support

Farmers can complete and submit their application online at any time via the DAERA Online Services portal, which is available 24/7. The application process also allows farm businesses to buy, sell, or lease payment entitlements for 2025 until 15 May.

Entitlement transfers via lease will be limited to a single year.

Minister Muir also underscored the importance of early submission, adding:

“Completing applications ahead of the deadline ensures you will avoid late claim penalties and allow adequate time for checks to be completed so payments can be issued in a timely manner.”

For those who require help, DAERA’s Advisory Service Helpline is available on 0300 200 7848, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, with extended hours over the weekend of 10 and 11 May, from 9am to 4pm.

Digital Services and Notifications

As part of DAERA’s move towards digital-first communications, all members of farm businesses are strongly encouraged to register for a DAERA online account, either through NIDA or the Government Gateway. This remains essential even for those using an agent, as future updates from DAERA’s Area-based Schemes (soon to be Agricultural & Environmental Schemes Division) will be delivered digitally.

Farmers are also reminded to regularly check their emails, including spam and junk folders, for communications relating to their application.

Additionally, changes to land in 2025 must be reported via the Single Application and Map Service.

Additional Resources

For guidance on completing the Single Application or registering for a DAERA online account, visit the DAERA website, email areabasedschemes@daera-ni.gov.uk, or phone 0300 200 7840 for assistance.