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Balancing payments under the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme have commenced, with some €40m set to issue to farmers this week, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has confirmed.
The commencement of the ANC balancing payments brings the total paid under the scheme in 2020 to €239m, paid to 95,000 farmers.
Scheme continuation
The Minister described the scheme as an important support for farmers in many regions of the country who are farming in challenging environments.
Minister McConalogue said: “This allocation of €250m to the scheme in 2020 reflects the continuing recognition by the Government of this fact.
“I am also delighted to have secured €250m for the scheme next year as part of Budget 2021, which guarantees payment security for eligible farmers.’’
Future runs
Regular payment runs will continue to be made under the scheme as further cases are cleared.
The Minister addedthat the timely processing of payments across schemes remains a key priority for his Department.
“I would urge any farmer with outstanding queries from the Department to respond as soon as possible in order to facilitate the issuing of payments,” he said.
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