Over €25m in GLAS balancing payments to over 42,000 farmers in the scheme will commence this week.

The balancing payment represents the final 15% of the 2018 payment and completes payments for GLAS actions undertaken last year.

According to the Department of Agriculture this payment rate is 50% higher than last year in terms of applicants paid.

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Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said balancing payments were being made a fortnight earlier than expected and it would be of significant cashflow assistance to farmers. He said this was particularly the case for suckler farmers who are the majority of GLAS participants.

Outstanding cases

To date almost €600m has been paid out under GLAS with Department figures showing 99% of eligible participants are fully up to date with their payments.

Minister Creed added: “Our priority now is to continue to make payments to other applicants as they become eligible and we will continue to make weekly payments.”

He issued a reminder that there are a small number of cases where GLAS 3 farmers have not yet completed their GLAS training. These farmers must undertake the outstanding training required by 31 December 2019 to remain in the scheme.

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