A significant land area in NI could be drawing down the regional average of approximately €329/ha later this year as interest grows in the lucrative regional reserve.

There are anecdotal reports coming from DARD offices that they are seeing a sharp rise in queries from farmers about how they can access the reserve and whether they can split their businesses to maximise income from subsidies over the coming years.

It raises the distinct possibility that DARD will have to take more money from everyone else so as to have sufficient funds in the reserve. Initially, 3% of total funds have been allocated to the reserve, or approximately €9.75m. However, unlike the young farmers’ payment, which is fixed at 2% of funds (€6.5m), there is no limit on the regional reserve.

There is also no upper ceiling, unlike in the Republic of Ireland where it is limited to 90 entitlements.

If the regional reserve is over-subscribed, DARD will simply deduct more from the total pot – some have suggested that it could be as high as 20%, although a 10% figure is probably more realistic.