2016-10-26 |
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Over 90% NI Farmers Receive Advance Payments
Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced that 90.72% of eligible farmers had received an advance CAP payment this month.
Northern Ireland was the first region in the United Kingdom to introduce advance payments and the Minister said that this was possible because of the increase in the number of farmers submitting their Single Application online.
Michelle McIlveen
The Minister had set a target of 80% of eligible farmers to receive an advance payment.
Miss McIlveen said:
“This is a huge boost for over 21,000 farmers
and a clear example of how the Executive is delivering for our
industry.
“I announced recently that Northern Ireland would be the first region of the United Kingdom to make advance payments. I am pleased to be able to confirm that 90.72% of eligible farmers have received an advance payment, resulting in a total of £158,474,453 reaching 21,111 farmers much earlier this year.
“I am delighted with this outcome which exceeds the challenging target of 80% I set earlier this month. While my department has worked hard to deliver, it is clear that the increase in farmers applying online has facilitated early payments.”
The Minister added:
“These payments will deliver a boost to the cash
flow of our farm businesses right across Northern Ireland. I am particularly
pleased that many Young Farmers, and a significant number of businesses
subject to inspection, are receiving advance payments.”
The Minister said that her department will continue to work diligently
to deliver for farmers. She concluded:
“My Department is now focusing
on the necessary work to deliver full or balance payments to 95% of
eligible farmers in December.”
