The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., announced the commencement of advance payments under the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) (including Greening).
The Minister said, “I am happy to confirm that that advance payments under the BPS, worth €781 million to 118,000 farmers, have commenced today. 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 continued, “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 payment is set at a rate of 70%, which is an increase on the 50% normally allowed under regulation.”
The Minister also commented that “compared to the advance payments made at this stage last year, an additional 3,500 farmers have received an advance payment in the first run of payments this year. This represents an additional €34 million. In all, some 97 % of eligible applicants for the 2020 BPS are receiving their advance payment at the earliest date possible.”
Payments under the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC) which started in September are also continuing as more cases are cleared for payment. The Minister added that “the advance BPS payment and the advance ANC payments taken together mean that some €974 million has now issued to Irish farmers in the last month.”
In order to facilitate farmers wishing to contact the Department regarding their BPS or ANC payments, extended hours are in place for the Direct Payments Helpline. From Monday the 19th of October to Friday the 23rd of October, the Helpdesk will be available to answer farmers queries up to 8.30pm each evening. ■
Under an intense surge of arctic air, Friday morning will begin with the coldest temperatures so far this season across much of the central and eastern U.S. with blustery conditions and a piercing wind chill.