Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has today (Monday, October 18) announced the commencement of advance payments under the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), including Greening.
“I am delighted to confirm that advance payments under the BPS, worth €738 million to 114,600 farmers, have commenced today,” the minister said.
He added: “This is in line with previous years. These payments contribute greatly to maximising family farm income and are a vital support for farmers across the country.
“I know how crucial it is to support farm families and that’s why it is a key priority of mine to issue payments as quickly as possible. It is also a priority for the department to efficiently issue scheme payments to farmers.”
The BPS advance payment is commencing today at a rate of 70%, which is an increase on the 50% normally allowed under regulation.
Payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days and the department will continue to process, as a “matter of urgency”, all remaining cases for payment as they meet scheme criteria, Minister McConalogue explained.
Payments under the 2021 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme, which started in September, are also continuing as more cases are cleared for payment.
In order to facilitate farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their BPS or ANC payments, extended hours are in place for the Direct Payments Helpline.
From today to this coming Friday (October 22), the helpdesk will be available to answer farmers’ queries up to 8.30p.m each evening. Farmers can also submit any queries they may have online via agfood.ie.
“Given the importance of scheme payments to farmers, the department has recently written to all farmers outlining the payment schedule over the coming months,” Minister McConalogue noted.
“I am committed to ensuring that these scheme payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible to ensure that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner,” he concluded.