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2021 Basic Payment Scheme Opens for Applications

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine today advised farmers that the application process for the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Greening Scheme has now opened.

Over the coming days, farmers will be receiving a BPS information pack in the post containing maps and land details.  The pack will also include a useful help sheet. This information will assist farmers in making their online application. The closing date for BPS applications in 2021 is Monday 17th May.  Farmers and advisors are urged to avail of the early opening of the application process now rather than waiting until nearer the closing date.

All elements of the Direct Payments Schemes (BPS, Greening, Young Farmers Scheme, National Reserve, transferring of entitlements, and the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme) are now online. This helps to ensure that the Department can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.

Note for Editors:

Over the coming days, farmers will be receiving their BPS packs in the post. Since 2018, all applications must be made online as required by EU Regulations. Thus, there is no paper application form included in the pack. Full Terms and Conditions are available online, or on request as outlined below. The help sheet included in all farmers’ BPS packs is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/f16b22-basic-payment-scheme/ .

All farmers will be also be notified over the coming week of the value of their payment entitlements through agfood.ie. Farmers may note that this year there will be a reduction of 2.05% in order to respect the national direct payments ceiling on foot of the agreement reached on the EU Budget in late 2020.

Should farmers wish to contact the Department in relation to online application they can do so at

  • 076 1064424 in relation to queries on registering for www.agfood.ie – for example queries on lost passwords, how to register etc.
  • 076 1064420 in relation to queries on actually completing the BPS application once registered on www.agfood.ie. or to request a paper copy of the Terms and Conditions.