Dairy farmers not returning their Dairy Structural Adjustment Program (DSAP) claim forms by 17 August this year will be ineligible for deregulation entitlement payments.

"Already close to 2000 completed claims for entitlements have been returned to the DAA since the Program claim period commenced on 18 May 2000," says Dairy Adjustment Authority (DAA) Chairman, Patrick Musgrave.

"DSAP claim forms have been received from dairy farmers in all States which is allowing DAA staff to commence early checking of claims prior to calculation of entitlements."

Mr. Musgrave's fellow DAA Board member, Terry O'Callaghan, urged all dairy farmers not to delay completing the application form as leaving it to the last minute could lead to a rushed application that contains mistakes. "A Farm Business Assessment also needs to be undertaken," he said.

"Dairy farmers should take time to read the instructions carefully to make sure they enter their name and other details correctly," Mr. O'Callaghan said. "Incorrectly completed forms will delay the processing of their entitlements."

"Wherever possible, the Standard Payment Right application form should be accompanied by the signed Farm Business Assessment (FBA) declaration form when returned, as no Payment Rights can be granted until both are received."

Any dairy farmer who has not received a DSAP information book or application form should act quickly to phone the DAA Help Line on 1800 503 603 or write to the DAA, PO Box 5158, Heidelberg West, Victoria 3081.

ENDS