Information for farm businesses about force majeure applications following flash floods
Wed, September 06, 2017
Farm businesses affected by flash flooding on August 22nd must submit a force majeure application (FML1 form) before the deadline on September 14th.
Failure to submit a force majeure application by individual farm businesses by this date will place their EU payments at risk.
A force majeure application is required when a section of land becomes unexpectedly flooded or damaged, and this impacts on the farm businesses ability to carry out agricultural or woodland activity on land claimed as being eligible on the Single Application Form (SAF). Farm businesses are advised to submit a force majeure application to DAERA within 15 working days of the event to allow their circumstances to be considered. Each application is considered on its own merits. Failure to submit a force majeure application could result in EU payments being affected.
Farm businesses are advised to contact Area-Based Schemes Payment Branch immediately, if they have not already done so, on 0300 200 7848. A link to the force majeure application form can be found on the DAERA website at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/force-majeure. The form can be used to notify DAERA of force majeure issues arising for all schemes including Basic Payment, Areas of Natural Constraint, agri-environment and woodland schemes. Through its DAERA Direct offices, the Department has a network of advisors across Northern Ireland on hand to provide support and advice on a range of issues including those relating to the floods.
More information on force majeure and its relevance to those claiming area based scheme payments is contained within the Guide to the Basic Payments Scheme 2017 (Page 62) which can be accessed via the DAERA Website at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/2017-guide-basic-payment-scheme