Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue has confirmed that European Commission approval has been received for the continuity of farm schemes in 2021.
Announcing the news at 6:30pm this evening (Friday, December 11) Minister McConalogue said:
“I am delighted to confirm that, following the approval by the European Commission of the amendment to the Rural Development Programme, we now have continuity of farm payments in 2021 for the main farm schemes.”
Continuing, the minister said: “The €628 million funding I secured in the national budget will ensure continuity for these schemes and ongoing support for the other schemes including Burren Programme, European Innovation Partnerships, Farm Partnerships and TAMS [Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme].”
On the process, Minister McConalogue said: “My department will be in contact with farmers shortly about how to opt into schemes for 2021.
They will receive formal letters and SMS text messages. I want to ensure that I am protecting farm family incomes with the minimum of paperwork.
“So for now, farmers should consider whether they wish to continue in schemes in 2021, and be ready to reply when they are contacted by the department.”
Minister McConalogue also welcomed the European Council conclusions agreed today on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework for the period 2021-2027,and looked forward to the early finalisation of the process by the Council and European Parliament.
In conclusion the minister stated that since September the department has now paid out almost €1.68 billion directly to farmers for 2020 schemes.