The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has commenced issuing balancing payments under the 2021 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme.
Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, McConalogue, made the announcement earlier this afternoon (Monday, December 6th, 2021).
In a statement, the minister, said:
“I’m delighted to be able to commence balancing payments under the ANC.”
“The balancing payments today brings the total paid to-date under the 2021 ANC Scheme to €239 million paid to 95,000 farmers.”
The minister said the ANC Scheme is a “crucial” support for farm families throughout the country.
“The allocation of €250 million to the ANC scheme in 2021 reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers’ incomes,” he commented.
The minister has also secured €250 million for the ANC scheme next year as part of Budget 2022, which “guarantees” payments for eligible farmers.
According to the minister, the DAFM has paid out over €1.53 billion since September 2021 under the:
- Basic Payment Scheme;
- ANC;
- GLAS;
- TAMS;
- Organic Farming Scheme;
- Young Farmer Scheme;
- Sheep Welfare Scheme.
“The timely processing of payments across schemes remains a key priority for my department,” the minister said.
“Regular payment runs will continue to be made under the 2021 ANC scheme as further cases are cleared for payment.”
“Any farmer with outstanding queries from the department should respond as soon as possible to facilitate the issuing of payments,” the minister concluded.
BPS, Young Farmer Scheme, and National Reserve payments commence
Meanwhile, the DAFM has commenced issuing Basic Payment Scheme, Young Farmer Scheme and National Reserve payments.
Commencing BPS balancing payments will bring the total paid under the 2021 scheme to €1.12 billion to almost 121,000 farmers.
Since mid-October, the DAFM has paid out €769 million in BPS advance payments to over 118,000 farmers.
The minister commented:
“Payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days. The department will continue to process, as a matter of urgency, all remaining cases for payment as any outstanding queries are addressed.”
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