The agonising wait for GLAS payment looks set to continue for 8,000 farmers who are suffering ever-increasing cashflow issues on farms.

There is no definite end date in sight for those farmers who are owed almost €30m in the first 85% tranche of GLAS money, according to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, the minister admitted he could not say when all farmers would be paid: “I apologise to farmers who are caught up in the delays. We are working flat out to get them paid.”

Almost 30,000 farmers have been paid just over €105m in GLAS payments since December.

However, the remaining 8,000 farmers are suffering extreme cashflow difficulties as they wait for the bulk of their €4,400 average payment. Some farmers are in a desperate situation as bills mount, with some individuals even resorting to selling silage to release some cash.

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Minister Creed said Department staff were acutely aware farmers needed the money and were working “all the hours God gives” to resolve issues blocking payments. However, he could not say how many more weeks it would take to get outstanding payments to farmers.

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Full interview with Minister Creed: ‘I can’t say when all farmers will be paid’

Full coverage: GLAS