Publication
Checks by Monitoring (CbM)
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
In 2018 the European Commission introduced changes to the Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 that allowed Member States the option of using the Checks by Monitoring in place of the current on-the-spot-controls. The introduction of Checks by Monitoring (CbM) for the Protein Aid Scheme in 2021 is the first step in the implementation of the Area Monitoring System (AMS) which will be compulsory in the CAP post 2020.
Checks by Monitoring is an automated and continuous process which will use Copernicus Sentinel Satellite data along with other data sources to determine the agricultural activity on all the declared land parcels under the Protein Aid Scheme in 2021.
The Checks by Monitoring process allows for the notification of Protein Aid Scheme applicants of a potential non-compliance with the scheme requirements in relation to crop type or activity. Where a potential non-compliance with the Protein Aid Scheme requirements is identified, a notification will issue on the Basic Payment Scheme online system. If a farmer is signed up for text message alerts, a text will issue to advise them that they have a notification on their BPS account. Where a farmer has applied online through an advisor, the advisor will receive notification via the BPS online account in respect of any of his/her clients. Farmers who have applied through an advisor will also get a text message alert where they are signed up for this service.
The notification will provide an applicant the opportunity to amend their claim accordingly without penalty in light of the Checks by Monitoring notification. Farmers and advisors should check the correspondence section of their BPS online account promptly if a notification is received. A Geotagged photograph or other documents may be requested as part of the notification. The department’s Geotagged Photograph application AgriSnap should be used to submit photos to support a claim. Documentation to support Protein Aid Scheme applications should be retained and made available on request to the department. In the absence of any verifiable evidence the department may need to confirm the conditions on the ground. The outcome of checks by monitoring may impact Protein Aid Scheme and other area-based schemes.
(a) Introduction and Controls by Monitoring Overview Presentation
(b) CbM and the Protein Aid Scheme
(c) AgriSnap Presentation
(d) Questions and Answers
AgriSnap is a geotagged photograph application (app) for use on smartphone and mobile devices. AgriSnap enables users to take geotagged photographs using their smartphone and submit them securely to DAFM in an efficient and seamless manner. A geotagged photograph is one that contains the GPS location co-ordinates of the position of where the photo was captured. The location information (latitude/longitude co-ordinates) is stored in the properties of the photo. From time to time DAFM may request geotagged photos from farmers to resolve queries that may arise for certain schemes or support applications.
To use the AgriSnap app on your mobile device you must be registered on agfood.ie for online services. If you are not registered, you can register on the AgFood website.
For further information on downloading and using AgriSnap please see the AgriSnap Guidance Manual for Checks by Monitoring.
