FARMERS risk a loss of income if they have not submitted their Single Farm Payment forms ahead of this week�s deadline.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers� Association has asked farmers to submit their completed Single Farm Payment forms on time, and to make sure that all details are as accurate as possible. The deadline is Tuesday, May 15 5.30pm for paper forms � online applicants have until midnight tomorrow).

ICSA president Gabriel Gilmartin says: �It is vital to submit this form on time as any delay will cost you money in the form of deductions. The Single Farm Payment is the most important application that farmers will have to make this year. In many cases, the payment is absolutely crucial to the overall viability of a farm.�

The farming group says penalties for late applications are significant � with applications arriving on Wednesday, May 16 being hit with a 1% deduction immediately. This increases by 1% per working day, until the cut-off date of June 10th � when the penalty rises to 100%.

�Last year 1,700 farmers lost out on �1.6million in payments due to late application. These are substantial losses that could easily have been avoided. The important thing is to get the form in on time. Amendments can easily be made after Tuesday�s deadline,� said Mr Gillmartin.

Single Farm Payment amendment forms can be submitted up until the May 31.