I have submitted my Young Farmer application. What now?

At Espaço Visual we work daily with young farmers at every stage of applying for start-up support under PEPAC 2023-2027. We know that plenty of questions come up once the application has been submitted. That is why we have gathered here the answers to the most frequently asked questions at this stage.

1. How do I know my application was submitted?

After submitting your application on the IFAP Balcão das Ajudas, you should have received a proof of submission, which includes:

• Application code;
• Date and time of submission;
• Planting areas;
• Proposed investments;
• Profitability;
• List of documents submitted.

This proof is essential in verifying that you met the deadlines and the mandatory requirements for submitting your application.

2. How long does it take for an application to be assessed?

The assessment can take several weeks, depending on the volume of applications and on the phase in which the application was submitted.

3. Which bodies assess my project?

The project may be assessed by several bodies, depending on its specific features:

• The regional CCDR: responsible for the technical assessment;
• IFAP: responsible for the financial and contractual assessment;
• ICNF: where there are constraints relating to protected areas or natural resources;
• APA: where the project involves significant environmental impacts;
• RAN: where the project falls on land in the National Agricultural Reserve;
• REN: where the project affects the National Ecological Reserve.

4. Can they ask me for documents or corrections after I have submitted?

Yes. It is common for the CCDR to send requests for clarification, corrections or additional documents.

These requests are made through the Balcão PEPAC or by email. You must respond:

• Within the stipulated deadline (normally 10 working days);
• With well-organised, legible documentation.

Do not worry, though: Espaço Visual will work with you to give these requests the response they need.

5. How and when will I find out whether I have been approved?

You will be notified through the Balcão PEPAC with the final decision:

• If the application is APPROVED, you will be given access to the contract in order to sign the Acceptance Agreement;
• If it is REJECTED, you may submit a complaint or an appeal.

6. What happens when I sign the Acceptance Agreement?

Signing the agreement formalises the approval and officially starts the project. From that moment:

• The implementation period starts to run (up to 24 months);
• You take on the legal and technical commitments set out in the application.

7. Which documents should I keep during implementation?

Throughout the implementation phase it is essential to keep an organised file containing:

• Invoices and receipts;
• Proof of payment;
• Photographs of the investments, taken through IFAP mobile;
• Activity records and tax documents.

These documents will be essential for payment claims and for any on-site checks.

8. When and how do I receive the financial support?

The financial support may be paid in different phases:

• 1st instalment of the Young Farmer premium;
• Partial reimbursements over the course of implementation, made every 3 months;
• Final payment, following verification of the set-up and compliance with the plan;
• 2nd instalment of the Young Farmer premium.

Claims are submitted through the IFAP portal and assessed technically. Verification visits to the holding may be scheduled.

9. Do I have obligations after receiving the support?

Yes. Once the project has been carried out, you are required to:

• Maintain the farming activity for at least 5 years after the final payment;
• Meet the commitments set out in the business plan;
• Not dispose of any investment that has been financed;
• Cooperate with audits or inspections, should they be requested.

Failure to comply may mean the partial or total repayment of the support.

10. Can I count on technical support throughout the process?

Yes. Espaço Visual provides:

• Technical support from the application through to the final stage of implementation;
• Assistance with requests for clarification and verification visits;
• Ongoing consultancy to ensure compliance with PEPAC and IFAP obligations.

If you have further questions or need support, do not hesitate to contact our team.

We help turn ideas into sustainable, successful agricultural businesses.

Find out more about applications and get in touch with us HERE!