The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, T.D., today announced that payments worth €185 million million under the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme have commenced issuing this week to 86,000 farmers.
The Minister commented “I am conscious of the many challenges faced by farmers during 2020 and the importance of the timely delivery of payments under the ANC scheme. With this in mind, I am happy to confirm that the 86,000 farmers being paid in this first tranche of 2020 advance payments is an increase from the €168.5m paid to 79,000 farmers at this stage in 2019. These payments represent a timely and significant financial boost for farmers and for the wider rural economy. My Department will continue to process, as a matter of urgency, all remaining cases for payment as they meet scheme criteria.”
The Minister commented, “The issuing of these payments now underscores my determination to maximise payments to farmers at the earliest possible time. My Department has recently written to all farmers to outline the timetable for payments under various schemes in the coming months and our focus remains on delivering these payments on schedule.”
Concluding, the Minister also confirmed that arrangements are on target to facilitate payment of the advance of 70% under the Basic Payment Scheme with effect from 16 October 2020.
