Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
547. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting so long for payment of the young farmers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19186/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for participation in the Basic Income Support of Sustainability (BISS) scheme was received from the above named applicant on May 26th, 2023.
A new requirement under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) effective from January 1st, 2023 requires that applicants receiving payments under any CAP scheme must meet an “active farmer check”. This is to ensure the person receiving the payments is the person farming the land being claimed.
The active farmer claim selected by the applicant at the time of application was "plan to purchase livestock in 2023". Where this claim is selected applicants are advised that payment may be delayed to 2024. This is to allow verification of stocking rate calculations in relation to this active farmer claim.
In January 2024 an administration review of the applicants stocking profile showed no bovine or ovine movements into the herd. Equine movements may have occurred. As outlined in Annex 4 of the BISS terms and conditions, the onus is on the applicant to advise the Department of these movements.
On foot of this administrative review, a letter in relation to the active farmer claim was issued to the applicant on February 7th 2024 outlining the options available to meet the active farmer check. Supporting documentation submitted by the applicant has now been processed and verifies the applicant's active farmer status.
An application received for Complimentary Income Support for Young Farmers (CISYF) Scheme was approved on 26th February following the completion of an inspection.
Payment due under any CAP scheme for which the applicant has applied and is eligible can now issue on the next scheduled payment run.
