The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue has today (Wednesday, December 1) confirmed that the balancing payments under the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening have started on schedule.

The commencement of the BPS balancing payments will bring the total paid under the 2021 scheme to €1.12 billion to almost 121,000 farmers.

Minister McConalogue said: “Since mid-October, my department has paid out €769 million in BPS advance payments to over 118,000 farmers.

"I make the rapid issuing of payments a priority for my department.The €1.12 billion paid to date under the 2021 BPS and Greening is a vital support for farmers across the country and to the overall rural economy.”

The minister also confirmed that payments under the 2021 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme will also commence today.

The minister added: “I am pleased that payments under the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme are also being issued as both payments play a crucial role in supporting young farmers and new entrants to farming.

The minister urged any farmers who have outstanding queries from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to respond as soon as possible in order to facilitate payment.

Farmers wishing to contact the Department regarding their BPS or ANC payments, can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at: 057-8674422.

Balancing payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme are scheduled to commence next week, with payments under the Protein Aid Scheme and the Straw Incorporation Measure to also issue in December.