Agriculture Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023

Tuesday, 23 May 2023

Questions (630)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

630. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of farmers receiving notification of significant reduction in payments under the new basic income support for sustainability and related schemes in comparison to the previous basic payment scheme; the supports that are being offered to farmers who have received a payment reduction in real-terms and who rely on these payments to meet outgoings, loans and bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24772/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The BISS (Basic Income Support for Sustainability) scheme replaced the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2023. This means that the BPS plus the Greening payment is replaced by a single BISS payment. The value of all payment entitlements reduced in 2023 based on the financing available for each Direct Payment Scheme. The reason for this is the addition of new schemes and an increase in the payment rates for other schemes, such as Voluntary Coupled Support and Complimentary Income Support for Young Farmers.

From 2023 there are two new schemes, the Eco-Scheme, and the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) Scheme or more commonly known as ‘front loading’. In Table 1 below is an example to demonstrate the new payment structure for a sample case.

Table 1: Examples of Payment Structures

	Payment Structure in 2022		Payment Structure in 2023
Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Average payment entitlements unit value	€180	Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS)Average payment entitlements unit value	€155
Greening Payment at 44%	€80	Eco scheme (per hectare)	€62
		CRISS (per hectare)	€43
Sum payment in 2022	€260	Sum payment in 2023	€260

This is assuming participation in the schemes mentioned above and it is important to note that payment rates will vary depending on the uptake by farmers for each scheme. Convergence will continue in 2023-2026 with all payment entitlements reaching 85% of the BISS national average by 2026.

I am very aware of the importance of Direct Payments to all farmers, and I have ensured that there has been extensive consultation with farmers and farm bodies on the development of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan in line with EU Regulations by means of Townhall meetings and other in person events. In addition to this My Department has hosted information sessions, Direct Payment application clinics, and created online prediction tools to ensure all farmers are aware of the financial impacts of the restructuring of Direct Payments.