€734m in the form of 2022 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments will roll into 114,200 farmers’ bank accounts this week, Minister McConalogue has confirmed.
Earlier this afternoon, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, announced the commencement of advance payments under the 2022 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) (including Greening).
The BPS advance payment is commencing today at a rate of 70%, which, the minister outlined, is an increase on the 50% normally allowed under regulation.
He revealed that payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days.
The minister confirmed that the DAFM will continue to process, as a matter of urgency, all remaining cases for payment as they meet scheme criteria.
McConalogue said these payments are “crucial” for family farm income and are a “vital” support for farmers as well as the rural economy.
BPS payments
He remarked: “Today is the first working day that advance payments can be paid. This demonstrates the DAFM’s commitment to issue scheme payments as quickly as possible.”
“Given the importance of scheme payments to farmers, the DAFM 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.”
Payments under the 2022 ANC, which started in September, are also continuing as more cases are cleared for payment.
Help desk
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, October 17th to Friday, October 21st, the helpdesk will be available up to 8.30 pm.
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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