My Department has received 1,339 applications under the 2017 National Reserve and 9,308 applications under the 2017 Young Farmers Scheme. Processing of applications is at an advanced stage. My Department continues to engage with a number of applicants where outstanding documentation is required to finalise their applications and my Department is focussed on maximising the number of applications that will be finalised for the first payment date.
Payment to successful applicants under both schemes is scheduled to commence in early December 2017 following the payment of the balancing payments under the Basic Payment Scheme. These balancing payments are due to commence on 1 December.