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In a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department also confirmed that the balancing payments will be issued on the 1 December.
“The Department intends to issue advance payments in respect of cleared cases under BPS commencing on 16 October. Balancing payments will then begin to issue from 1 December,” they confirmed.
There has been no indication as of yet as to what percentage of BSP the Department will be paying out during the advanced payment. 2016 saw 70% paid out to farmers.
“Compelling reasons”
The ICMSA has said there are “compelling reasons” for 70% of the advanced payments to be issued. Deputy president of ICMSA Pat McCormack urged the Department to follow other member states by issuing 70% of the early payment instead of 50%, which he expects it to be.
“As of now, farmers in Ireland will only receive a 50% advance payment on 16 October, while farmers in some member states will receive a 70% advance payment,” he said.
“The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine to secure a 70% advance payment of the BPS/Greening payment has increased considerably in recent weeks with the adverse weather conditions throughout the country causing difficulties for all farmers,” McCormack continued.
Under Article 75(1) of EU regulation, from 16 October to 30 November, member states may pay advances of up to 50% for direct payments under regulation.
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