Friday 16 October will see the largest ever payout of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money by DAERA on a single day, with 94% of payments to be issued, totalling £265.7m, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has confirmed.

In recent years, DAERA has made a 70% advance payment from mid-October, but Brexit means that full payments can be made this year.

As well as getting all the money in October, most farmers should also receive higher payments overall, as a result of a 4.3% increase in entitlement values after the Department reallocated money away from unused entitlements.

I think the best years of single farm payment, or income support, are gone

The money will reach bank accounts within five working days. Payment letters will issue by post, but can also be viewed online at DAERA Online Services. For claimants of the 2020 Young Farmers’ Payment, it is up significantly in value, and will be paid at the rate of £77.04/ha on up to 90ha.

Threat

But while it is good news for payments this year, there are growing concerns that the coronavirus pandemic could lead to a reduction in future funding.

Last year, the UK government committed to maintaining the £3bn annual budget until the end of the current parliament, which is expected in 2024.

But speaking at Stormont, Minister Poots said that the pandemic was “inflicting huge damage” on the UK Treasury.

“There are significant pressures. One can never be absolutely sure [about funding guarantees],” he told MLAs on Monday.

Similar concerns were also raised by UFU President Victor Chestnutt last week.

There is change coming, but it will come gradual rather than straight away. Next year, I expect it to be much the same

“COVID is going to put huge strains on resources within any government worldwide. I think the best years of single farm payment, or income support, are gone,” he said during a video conference with members.

Environment

Chestnutt also emphasised that environmental measures will have to play a bigger role in new farm schemes.

“It won’t be as simple as the system we have [at present] where we are just rewarding people for owning land. If we keep it that way, we will definitely lose it,” he said.

“In England, it’s all going towards environmental with the new ELM (Environmental Land Management) scheme, but hopefully we will have devolved leeway to have a system that suits us in NI,” Chestnutt added.

However, the UFU president made clear that it will be a phased transition from the current Basic Payment Scheme to a new system of farm support in NI.

“There is change coming, but it will come gradual rather than straight away. Next year, I expect it to be much the same,” he said.

To date, the only change that has been announced for 2021 is an end to greening requirements and rules.