The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Brendan Smith TD has launched the online facility for the 2009 single farm payment scheme at www.agfood.ie.

Louth County Council Candidate James Carroll said “This online facility will reduce delays experienced by farmers, where minor errors in the past have led to applications being rejected. Those who submit their applications on-line are much more likely to have their applications cleared for payment more quickly.”

“Minister Smith also noted that pre-printed application forms will begin to issue shortly and the Minister will make a more detailed statement about the 2009 Schemes in the near future”.

“In this difficult economic climate the reduction in the delays of payment to farmers is something that those within the farming community will welcome,” James Carroll added.

“Where farmers are uncomfortable in the use of the internet, the facility exists for recognised agents to carry out this process on their behalf and I would encourage these farmers to talk to their advisers on this matter”, concluded the new, first-time candidate.

ENDS