Hard-pressed farmers are being offered help to alleviate the stress of accurately returning their IACS forms ahead of the fast-looming deadline.

Bell Ingram, with its wealth of experience in the agricultural sector, are offering farmers from across the country the opportunity to be guided through the complex IACS (Integrated Administration and Control System) Single Application Forms (SAF) to ensure they are returned correctly and on time.

The deadline for the return of the IACS forms is May 15, and Bell Ingram are reminding farmers that they should start filling their forms out now to avoid incurring penalties.

The primary purpose of the IACS is so that the Scottish Government Rural Payment and Inspections Division (SGRPID) have an accurate picture of exactly what each piece of land is used for so that the appropriate subsidies can be paid out.

To assist farmers in completing their forms as accurately as possible to ensure that they receive the maximum subsidies they are entitled to, experts at Bell Ingram’s offices across Scotland will be on hand to guide farmers through the process.

Dreaded Date

James Petty, Senior Associate at Bell Ingram in Aberdeen, said: “Each year May 15 is a date dreaded by most in the farming community.

“Although it may seem like a burdensome task, it is absolutely crucial that these forms are completed with the utmost precision so that farmers receive the subsidies they are entitled to.

“We have already completed a number of forms for our existing clients but would urge any farmers that are seeking assistance to get in touch sooner rather than later so that we can process them before the deadline.

“Our teams across the country are gearing up for what is always a busy month and we look forward to working with clients old and new to help them complete their forms and maximize their assets.”

Each IACS SAF form has two elements, the field data sheets which are used to declare crops and to record land correctly and the main base form itself. The forms may be completed on paper or digitally and Bell Ingram can assist with either format.

The data from the forms will then be used to calculate a variety of payments including the Single Farm Payment (SFP); Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS); Land Managers Options (LMO); and Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities (RDC-RP).

Established in 1899, Bell Ingram is a multi-disciplined firm of chartered surveyors, forestry managers, estate agents, architects, building surveyors and energy specialists. With more than 130 professional staff across 11 UK offices the firm provides local knowledge with national coverage.