Advance payments under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) have commenced, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has announced.

Payments worth €781m have been made to 118,000 farmers under the scheme.

“These payments are a vital support for farmers across the country and contribute greatly to maximising income and cashflow in the sector in what has been a very challenging year for farmers,” the Minister said.

“A key priority for my Department is the efficient issuing of scheme payments to farmers. The BPS advance payment is commencing today at the earliest date possible under EU regulations."

The 70% rate paid on the advance portion of the payment is an increase on the 50% normally allowed.

Advance

An additional 3,500 farmers have received payment in the first payment run compared with last year. It represents an extra €34m being available to farmers compared with the same time in 2019.

Ninety-seven percent of farmers eligible for a BPS payment have been paid at the earliest possible date.

In order to facilitate farmers wishing to contact the Department regarding their BPS payment, extended hours are in place for its direct payments helpline.

From Monday 19 October to Friday 23 October, the helpdesk will be available to answer farmers’ queries up to 8.30pm each evening at 076-106 4420.

Farmers can also submit any queries they may have online via www.agfood.ie.

Importance

“Given the central importance of the many schemes currently in place, my Department has recently written to all farmers outlining the payment schedule over the coming months for these schemes.

"I am committed to ensuring that these payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible to ensure that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner,” the Minister concluded.