On this page you can find details on How to Apply for each of the Area-based Schemes. Also
Agent Information and How To Videos
To apply for the BPS you must submit a ‘Single Application’ and select the option to claim BPS. Single Applications must be submitted online via DAERA Online Services
To apply for the EFS you must submit an ‘Environmental Farming Scheme Application’ online via DAERA Online Services You must read our ‘Guide to the Environmental Farming Scheme for Agreements commencing 01 Jan 2023’ for detailed instructions on how to correctly apply for this scheme. Once your application for EFS has been successfully completed you will be offered an EFS agreement. Your agreement will be for five years, usually starting on 1 January of the year following your application, and you will be eligible to claim EFS payment in each of those years. To claim EFS payment each year, you must submit a ‘Single Application’ and select the option to claim EFS. Single Applications must be submitted online via DAERA Online Services. A Single Application must be submitted each year to receive your EFS payment.
To apply for a YFP you must submit a YFP/RR Form . You must ALSO submit a Single Application and select the option to claim YFP. If your YFP/RR Form is accepted you will be eligible to claim YFP payment for five years. To claim YFP payment each year, you must submit a ‘Single Application’ and select the option to claim YFP. You must read our ‘Guide to the Young Farmers’ Payment / Regional Reserve 2023’ for full instructions on how to correctly apply for this scheme.
To access DAERA Online Services and to apply for any area-based scheme, you will need to: 1. Register your business with us; and 2. Register for either an ‘nidirect’ or ‘Government Gateway’ account.
Please see ‘Registering Your Business’ section for more information
Employing an Agent/Nominated Person to Submit Applications on your Behalf
If you do not wish to submit an application yourself you can nominate another person to do so on your behalf. You will still need to register your business with us, but you will not need to register for an ‘nidirect’ or ‘Government Gateway’ account.
