Basics Payment Scheme on the way by next Monday

THERE has been a broad welcome for the 70% payout in the Basics Payment Scheme starting from Monday next.

Last month, an estimated 10,000 Galway farmers received their ANC monies (Areas of Natural Costraint) worth in the region of €24 million to the county.

Farmers – currently at the worst time of the year in terms of cashflow problems – should also see AEOS and GLAS payments being made before the end of the year.

Galway West TD and Junior Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, Sean Kyne, said that the payments would be a welcome boost for farmers after a difficult year.

He also particularly welcomed the interim commonage arrangements put in place by Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed, which will mean that GLAS payments won’t be stalled for Connemara hill farmers in the scheme.

“I would like to welcome this decision by Minister Creed with regard to interim arrangements for commonage management plans in GLAS.

“The concerns of farmers and both the IFA and INHFA representatives regarding the possible delay of GLAS commonage payments due to on-going computer software issues has been made to me over the last number of weeks.

“I discussed this concern with senior Department of Agriculture representatives at the ploughing championships and was given a commitment that an interim solution to the problem would be found.

“I have stated also to Minister Creed that the payments to farmers must be made this year, particularly in light of the very difficult summer, weather-wise,” said Deputy Kyne.

Last week, Minister Creed confirmed the 70% advance in the Basic Payments Scheme to be made from Monday next, October 17.

“This early payment in conjunction with the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme, GLAS and AEOS payments collectively are worth over €1.5 billion annually to farmers” said Minister Creed.

He also said that the provision of low cost flexible finance remained a priority under the Programme for Government.

“I am engaged in intensive ongoing negotiations with the Financial Institutions, in particular the SBCI (Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland), other Government departments and the EU Commission in this regard,” said Minister Creed.