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The Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Michael Creed T.D. confirmed that the European Commission has agreed to his request that provision be made for an advance payment of the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme and Greening. There will also be an increase permitted to the advance for Pillar II Rural Development schemes with the rate increased up to a possible 85% for those schemes where advance payments will be made before the end of the year.
Minister Creed said “I am very pleased with these permitted increases in advance payments. This means an increase from 50% to 70% in the rate for the BPS provided for under EU legislation, to those applicants whose applications are confirmed fully clear, with effect from 16 October, with balancing payments being made with effect from 1 December”
The Minister explained that his approach to the Agriculture Commissioner had been prompted by the market difficulties being experienced in several sectors arising from ongoing currency fluctuations and protracted poor weather conditions. He continued “I am acutely aware of the significance to farmers and the wider rural economy of the Basic Payment as well as the various Rural Development Schemes, and I am also mindful of the ongoing market difficulties”
Minister Creed said "these payments and the payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, which have commenced this week, would inject up to €800 million into the Irish rural economy in the coming weeks and would provide a very welcome boost for Irish farm families, particularly at this time of the year."
“I can assure all concerned that my officials will do all that’s needed to ensure the maximum number of applicants receive their advance payment at the earliest possible date subject to the necessary requirements of the Schemes being met".