Ballymena Farmers can attend a CAP Reform roadshow at Greenmount Campus in Antrim, Northern Ireland. Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill is holding a series of CAP Reform roadshows to help farm businesses prepare for the new Area based Schemes in 2015.
Photo Credit: Matt McGee; Creative Commons
Greenmount Campus in Antrim will hold the event on 26 March 2015, hosting two presentations one at 2pm and again at 7pm.
On 31 December 2014, the Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme came to an end and was replaced by new Direct Payments made up of a Basic Payment Scheme, a payment for Greening and, where applicable, a Young Farmers’ Payment. The Minister decided to replace the Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowances Scheme (LFACA) with an Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme and a one year transitional payment (for Disadvantaged Area farmers, who are not eligible for the new ANC).
Announcing the roadshows Minister O’Neill said: “Despite my desire for a simpler CAP regime, the new schemes are more complex. Therefore, I want to ensure that farmers have the information and tools available to help them reach informed decisions on the schemes for their businesses.
“The roadshows are a continuation of the process of engagement with the farming community to help make the schemes as easy as practical to understand and my officials are working hard in this regard.
“The roadshows will cover all areas of CAP Reform, in particular providing information on land eligibility and the eligibility requirements for applicants. They will also advise on the application process and explain the benefits of using the online service.
“It is important that farmers understand the requirements of the new schemes, the information they will need to provide and the timescales for completion of forms. I urge famers and their families to attend one of the forthcoming roadshows.”(source)
If you are a Ballymena farmer concerned about the CAP reforms then this roadshow offers an opportunity to air your questions and gain more information. Click here to read the full article about the Northern Ireland CAP Reform roadshow.