The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D, today announced the commencement of advance payments under the 2022 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) (including Greening).
The Minister said:
“I am delighted to confirm that advance payments under the BPS, worth €734 million to 114,200 farmers, have commenced today. These payments are crucial for family farm income and are a vital support for farmers as well as the rural economy. Today is the first working day that advance payments can be paid, which demonstrates the Department’s commitment to issue scheme payments as quickly as possible.”
The Minister continued:
"Given the importance of scheme payments to farmers, the Department wrote to all farmers in September outlining the payment schedule over the coming months.
"I am committed to ensuring that these scheme payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible to ensure that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner.”
Concluding, the Minister said:
“The BPS advance payment is commencing today at a rate of 70%, which is an increase on the 50% normally allowed under regulation. Payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days and the Department will continue to process, as a matter of urgency, all remaining cases for payment as they meet scheme criteria.”
Payments under the 2022 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC) which started in September are also continuing as more cases are cleared for payment.
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 Helpdesk. From Monday 17th October to Friday 21st October, the Helpdesk will be available up to 8.30pm. Farmers can ring the Helpdesk at 057-8674422. Farmers can also submit any queries they may have online via www.agfood.ie.
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