As cashflow problems continue to bite, farmers will not tolerate any hold-ups to direct payments due to severe income difficulties this year, the IFA has said.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the 70% Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) advance will commence on 17 October.

Joe Healy, president of the IFA, said he expects the speed of payment this year to be much better than last year as the new CAP is now well bedded down. He added that inspection cases must not hold up payments.

“ANC payments, which commence in the week beginning 19 September, must have a higher payout than last year,” Healy said.

Up to 100,000 farmers benefit from ANC payments to the value of €205m.

The IFA understands that GLAS payments, worth €167m, will be made in two phases – 85%, followed shortly afterwards by the remaining 15%.