IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy has called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to ensure that the final instalment of BPS and ANC payments issue to all farmers next week.

“It is essential that the Department of Agriculture have all outstanding queries and payment delays fully resolved before this final payment run commences next week. Delays cannot be tolerated at this late stage in the year,” Kennedy said.

The IFA estimates that €400m is yet to be paid to farmers, with 30% of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments and 15% of Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) payments due to issue in December.

Inspections

Kennedy also pointed to delays due to inspections carried out by the Department, particularly in Co Louth.

“The IFA has made it abundantly clear to Minister Creed and the Department that delays of this type cannot be tolerated,” Kennedy added.

Read more

Farmer Writes: it's a frustrating time to be a farmer

Watch: tractor protest heads to Dublin