This article appeared in the Finn Valley Voice & Tirconaill Tribune on the 17th of April 2012 about AEOS 2011 Scheme,Single farm payment and application for Herd/Flock/Equine number. AEOS 2011 SCHEME.   Anyone that was accepted into the scheme and are applying chemical fertiliser to their lands had to soil sample their lands before the 31^st of March 2012. There has been no extension to this deadline as yet or we don’t know can this be appealed. The declaration form AEOS  (SS) has to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Food, Johnstown castle Estate, Wexford, Co. Wexford before the 30-04-2012. This form states that the soil samples were taken or that there is no chemical fertiliser applied to the lands.   Anyone planting hedgerow and trees in the same scheme had to have them planted before the 31-3-2012. Make sure all receipts are dated before this date as any receipts after this date will not be accepted by the department and will result in a loss of payment. Make sure that all the Fencing materials are up to the correct specifications as proof will have to submitted when the applicant is applying for payment. Fencing materials not up to the correct standard will result in loss of payment.   If you are getting receipts for payment make sure they are all marked paid, signed by an employee of the company and dated. They have to have your full name and address on the proper letterhead from the company.   Single Farm Payment. The deadline for this years scheme is the 15^th of May 2012. At this stage the maps have been sent out and the forms. It is the responsibility of every farmer to ensure that all the necessary deductions are made to your application and that you are not overclaiming on any parcels of land. This year on the online system there is the facility to amend, add maps. It is a great new addition to the online system and makes the application process more efficent  and quicker.   Application for a Herd/Flock/Equine number.   Anyone who wants to apply for any of the above and wishes to apply for single farm payment this year must have an application form ER1 submitted to the local D.V.O. office in raphoe before the 15^th of May. To qualify for a number you will need to either own, lease or rent land. A copy of the folio and a copy of the rental/lease agreement will have to be submitted with the application form.   Mark Mc Connell Consultancy ltd, The Glebe, Stranorlar, Lifford, Co. Donegal 074 91 30772 www.agriculturalconsultant.net