Basic Income Support for Sustainability scheme opens for applications

Local Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen, has encouraged farmers to apply for the 2024 Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Martin opened the application process for the 2024 Basic Income Support for Sustainability scheme yesterday (Tuesday.)

The Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) is designed to provide a direct income support to Irish farmers to underpin their continued sustainability and viability.

Deputy Cowen said: “I’m pleased to see the application process for the 2024 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS), Eco-Schemes and the other related schemes.

“I would encourage all farmers to apply for the scheme early and well ahead of the deadline of 15 May 2024.”

Over the coming days, farmers will be receiving a BISS information pack in the post containing their maps and land details for 2024. The pack will also include a useful help sheet. This information will assist farmers and their advisors to make their online application. The closing date for BISS applications in 2024 is Wednesday, May 15.

Farmers can apply for all elements of Direct Payments (BISS, Eco-Schemes, Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, Protein Aid, National Reserve, transferring of entitlements) online. This helps to ensure that the Department can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.

Farmers are reminded to check that they have correctly applied for the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) and Eco-Scheme, if applicable. Annual payment claims for the Straw Incorporation Measure, ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme can also be made online. In the case of ACRES Tranche 2 applicants, access to the BISS application system will be made available on a gradual basis over the coming weeks, as approvals issue and as the required updates to mapping systems are made.

The Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Eco-Scheme are funded by the EU.