Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, made no decision to hold back Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) payments to December.
Confirming this to AgriLand a spokesperson for the minister was responding to claims by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) earlier today, Thursday, August 29, that Minister Creed had decided to hold back 15% of ANC payments, which it described as a “blow to farmers”.
Speaking on the matter, IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy claimed: “Normally, 100% payment is made in September.
“However, the Minister [for Agriculture Michael Creed] has decided to pay only 85% next month and hold the remaining 15% until December 1.”
Claiming that this will result in over €35 million not getting to farmers until December, Kennedy said the matter is a blow to 100,000 farmers, who expected the full payment next month.
In addition, it was also highlighted that the 85% payment is being made early rather than the 15% being delayed.
In Minister Creed’s announcement earlier this week, it was highlighted that the budget for the ANC Scheme has increased to €250 million for this year.