The Department of Agriculture sanctioned advance payments under the Basic Payment Scheme (including Greening) worth some €781m to 118,189 farmers on Friday 16 October.

This represents payment to 97% of all eligible farmers for 2020.

The number of farmers receiving advance payments on the first payment date has risen in recent years and this year’s performance represents an increase of an additional €34m paid to over 3,788 more farmers, compared to 2019 performance.

The payment is set at a rate of 70%, which is an increase on the 50% normally allowed under regulation

Announcing the payments, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said: “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.

“A key priority for my Department is the efficient issuing of scheme payments to farmers and the BPS advance payment is the earliest date possible under EU Regulations,” he continued.

“The payment is set at a rate of 70%, which is an increase on the 50% normally allowed under regulation.”

Areas of Natural Constraint

Payments under the Areas of Natural Constraint commenced in September, with the Minister adding that regular payment runs will continue in the coming weeks for both the BPS and ANC, as applications are processed and cleared for payment.

The latest Department of Agriculture schemes payment update for the week ending 16 October shows ANC payments standing at €193.07m shared among 89,518 farmers.

This is an increase of €1.99m paid to 862 more farmers from the previous week.

Extended helpline facility

The Department is operating extended hours for their direct payments helpline from Monday 19 October to Friday 23 October, with the helpdesk available to speak with farmers until 8.30pm each evening. Farmers can ring the helpdesk at 076 106 4420. Farmers can also submit any queries they may have online via www.agfood.ie.

TAMS payments

Meanwhile, payments under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) continue to increase. In the last week, €1.846m was paid out to 131 applicants. This brings total payments to €246.7m, paid to 16,861 applicants.

Payment applications continue to be submitted at a steady pace, with 136 applications received in the last week, bringing total applications for the payment to 17,980 so far this year.