The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has today (Monday, March 25) announced details of a series of in-person clinics for farmers on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) schemes.

The events aim to help farmers in making their online applications for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based schemes.

The BISS farmer clinics, which will be held at venues around the country, will take place from 10:00a.m to 4:30p.m.

Staff from the department will provide one-to-one support to assist farmers to submit their scheme applications ahead of the deadline which falls on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

According to the department the clinics are particularly useful for farmers who do not have a Farm Advisory System (FAS) approved advisor to assist them with their application for area-based support schemes.

The full list of in-person clinics being held by DAFM officials is as follows:

Tuesday, April 2: The Woodstock Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare;
Wednesday, April 3: The Maldron Hotel, Oranmore, Co. Galway;
Tuesday, April 9: The Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath;
Wednesday, April 10: Ard Rí House, Tuam, Co. Galway;
Thursday, April 11: Great National Hotel, Ballina, Co. Mayo;
Tuesday, April 16: Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford;
Wednesday, April 17: Randles Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry;
Thursday, April 18: DAFM offices, Raheen, Co. Limerick;
Tuesday, April 23: Newgrange Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath;
Wednesday, April 24: Spraoi agus Spórt, Supervalu, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal;
Thursday, April 25: Central Hotel, Donegal Town;
Tuesday, April 30: DAFM offices, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim;
Wednesday, May 1: Shirley Arms Hotel, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan;
Thursday, May 2: DAFM offices, Cavan;
Tuesday, May 7: Minella Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary;
Wednesday, May 8: Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork;
Thursday, May 9: DAFM offices, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

Under the new CAP, the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) has been replaced by the BISS.

According to the department, the new scheme is “designed to provide a direct income support to Irish farmers to underpin their continued sustainability and viability”.

The maximum payment that will be granted to any one farmer under the BISS, in any one scheme year is capped at an effective rate of €66,000.

No payment will be made under the BISS where the amount is less than €100.