IFA Welcomes ANC Payment as a Good Start to Run of Direct Payments

IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe has welcomed that announcement by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue that €185m of ANC payments will be made to 86,000 farmers over the coming days.

“This payment is a vital support to farmers whose incomes are generally low and where farming is challenging due to marginal land,” he said.

Brian Rushe said it is vitally important that this good start to payments is maintained as direct payments make up a significant proportion of farm income on a substantial number of farms.

Around 100,000 farmers benefit from ANC payments and the scheme is worth €250m.

“It’s important that the remaining farmers are paid once the stocking rate criteria is met, and the balancing 15% payment is made in early Dec,” he said.