I fully acknowledge and accept that there are ongoing difficulties being experienced by the farming community not least by our tillage farmers. In this connection I hosted a meeting of all Tillage sector stakeholders which took place on Wednesday last where during our discussions we evaluated the current situation in the light of present challenges and addressed emerging opportunities.
I confirmed at the meeting that my Department has received over 132,000 applications this year from farmers under the Direct Aid Schemes, which are funded or partially funded by the EU. The Schemes involved include the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), the Areas of Natural Scheme, GLAS and AEOS which are worth in excess of €1.5 billion annually.
I have directed my officials to prioritise processing of all farm payments this year. In relation to the BPS and Greening Payments, I am pleased to confirm that advance payment is scheduled for 17 October, next the earliest possible date by which payments can commence under the governing EU Regulations and that the necessary preparations are being made to maximise the number of payments on that date. While the standard provision is for a 50% advance, the Commission has made legal provision for a 70% advance again this year. The second instalment of payments will commence on 1 December.
Processing of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme payments is on schedule and payments commenced during the third week in September with almost 65,000 applicants being paid a total of €140.9 million. This was an increase on the 57,000 applicants paid €117 million in the first phase in 2015. It is expected that approx 96,500 will fulfil the scheme eligibility requirements this year. To date almost 80,000 applicants have been paid a total of €172 million. As is normal at this juncture, many farmers are not yet eligible for payment as they have not yet fulfilled the necessary stocking requirements under the ANC scheme but will do so before the end of the year. Payments are continuing on a twice weekly basis to ensure prompt payments to applicants as they fulfil the scheme stocking requirements.
I also confirmed at the meeting last week, the Government’s ongoing commitment to the sector, both at farm and processing level which is fully reflected in the Food Wise 2025 blueprint for the industry. In particular, I highlighted the opportunities to increase the focus on adding value to what is a quality product.