The young farmers’ payment will be open for new applicants in 2020, although there is no guarantee that participants will receive the top-up for a five-year period.

On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson said that while the scheme was open to new applicants, the five-year duration of payments depends on participants continuing to meet eligibility criteria, as well as the structure of future support payments in NI.

“It is not guaranteed that payment will continue for this period of time as it is subject to … future decisions taken on agricultural support policy by the NI Executive and UK Government relating to future scheme years,” the spokesperson said.

Budget

DAERA allocates 2% of the NI regional ceiling for the young farmers’ payment, which equates to an annual budget of around £5.86m. In 2019, the top up was worth £44.68/ha for the first 90ha claimed.

However, those who are still able to claim the young farmers’ payment in 2020 can expect a higher payment rate, as over 1,800 participants that joined in 2015 have now received five payments and are no longer eligible.

The DAERA spokesperson also confirmed that young farmers and new entrants will be able to apply for Basic Payments entitlements from the regional reserve in 2020.