Approximately 50% of farmers selected for a satellite inspection are still awaiting payment.

Some 6,840 farmers will be subject to a satellite inspection in 2019.

Satellite images of the farm are used to ensure the farmer’s claimed area corresponds to the area farmed, the crop types are as claimed and that ineligible land or features are not included for payment.

Figures released by the Department of Agriculture in response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue show 3,425 farmers are awaiting a payment.

Results

In 62% of selected cases, inspection results have been received by the Department. Of these, 78% have moved to the payment stage.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said inspections continued to be finalised on a daily basis to ensure payments due to farmers were issued as quickly as possible.