How Do I Opt-in for BCR?
You must opt-in for BCR online
Opt-in for Beef Sustainability Package
You must have a Government Gateway (GG) or NIdirect account (NIDA) logon. Further information on how to register for a logon is also available at the above link.
Once you have logged-on using your GG or NIDA you must confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the BCR terms and conditions when you opt-in.
If you do not wish to complete the online opt-in yourself, you can nominate another person (for example an Agent) to do so on your behalf. An online process is now in place for agent nomination. Information and guidance are available at the following link Online Agent Nomination. For further information on the Online Agent Nomination Service you can call us on 0300 200 7848.
To view details on your business you must register for an online DAERA account with either NIDA or Government Gateway so you can continue to receive your communications from DAERA. Even if you use an agent it is important that at least one member of your business is a registered online user so that your business can continue to receive notifications of a new DAERA message.
Remember, you only need to opt-in once for BCR from 2024. You do not need to opt-in every year. You do not need to submit a claim for BCR payment each year. If you have opted-in you will receive a BCR payment each year thereafter as long as you have met the eligibility conditions in that year.
Example:
You opt-in to BCR in 2024. You meet the eligibility conditions each year. You will receive payment for 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 onwards.
Example:
You opt-in to BCR in 2024. You meet the eligibility conditions in 2024 and 2026, but you do not meet the eligibility conditions in 2025 or 2027. You will receive payment for 2024 and 2026. You will not receive payment for 2025 or 2027.
You can opt-in for BCR at any time. However, you must have opted-in between 1 January and 31 December to receive a payment for that scheme year onwards.
Example:
You opt-in to BCR on 1st June 2025. You meet the eligibility conditions each year. You will receive payment for 2025, 2026 and 2027. You will not receive payment for 2024.
You can opt-out of BCR at any time. If you opt-out you will not receive a financial penalty, however you will also not receive a BCR payment for the scheme year during which you opt-out.
If you have opted-out, you can opt back in again at any time. If you opt-in again you will not receive a financial penalty, however you will only receive a BCR payment from the year in which you have opted back in.
Example:
You opt-in to BCR on 1 January 2024. You then opt-out on 1 June 2024. On 1 January 2025 you opt back in to BCR. If you meet the eligibility conditions in each year, you will receive payment for 2025, 2026 and 2027. You will not receive payment for 2024.
(Alternative application methods are available for customers. Please contact us on 0300 200 7848 for further information.)