“I am particularly pleased that these payments, worth some €700m to 111,000 farmers, have now commenced issuing," Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said.

"Every year, the advance payment of the BPS is a vital support for farmers across sectors in terms of maximising cash flow. It is a priority for my Department that these payments issue in the most efficient manner possible, and that they commence on the earliest date possible under EU Regulations.”

The European Commission allowed both the Republic and Northern Ireland in recent weeks to increase the 50% advance under the Basic Payment Scheme to 70% because of recent adverse weather.

European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan said the increase in advance payments was worth €250m to Irish farmers.

All farmers whose applications are in order are due to receive the BPS advance from this Monday and in the following days.

The remaining 30% and other BPS-related payments such as Young Farmer Scheme and National Reserve top-ups will be paid in December, the Minister confirmed

The Minister concluded “payments under the BPS and ANC scheme will continue to issue as individual cases are cleared. I will continue to prioritise the ongoing processing of payments, subject to the requirements of the schemes being met.”

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