I am delighted to welcome confirmation from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, that the balancing payments under the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme has commenced.
“This is great news for farmers who rely on payments such as the ANC, nearly €40 million will issue to farmers this week. The ANC scheme is worth €250m to farmers nationally. In September of this year €185m was issued as part the advanced payments. Near on €40m in balancing payments is going out this week.
“In Limerick 4,052 farmers have received €9,169,308.33 since September through the ANC Scheme and further payments will be made as cases are cleared.”
“This scheme is particularly focused at farmers who are farming in challenging environments and the Government has already committed to €250m for the scheme again next year. Which should provide some certainty for farmers who qualify for the scheme at present.”