DAERA Issues Direct Payments to 99% of Farm Businesses on Day One

Full or balance direct payments have commenced with 99% (23,609) of NI farm businesses having their payment released today, bringing the total issued since October to £281million.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) paid out £85.6million today, on day one of the December window, in addition to the £195.4million previously issued in advance in October/November.

A DAERA spokesman said: “Today, 99% of farm businesses will receive their full or balanced payments on day one of the payment window – a record breaking achievement. This included 95% of farm businesses subject to land inspections.

“Payments will begin to reach farm business bank accounts from 5 December 2019. The Department continues to work hard to pay the remaining claims as quickly as possible.”

Payment letters have issued today and are available through DAERA’s online portal.

Balance payments can only be made on fully verified claims. Full payments will be made to those with fully verified claims who could not receive an Advance Payment at that time.

As the Department had obtained permission from the European Commission to make advance payments at 70% of claim value, balance payments will comprise the remaining 30% of claim value.