Farmers receive over £3million in direct payments

Over £3million in Direct Payments were issued to Northern Ireland farmers on the first day of payments for 2021, Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots announced.

Payments were issued to 23,393 farmers (98 per-cent of eligible applicants) on Monday, the largest amount ever paid out to farmers on day one of the payment window. This includes 91 per-cent of farm businesses selected for inspection in 2021.

“As a result of exiting the EU, this is the second year the Department has been able to issue payments in one go, which in turn has represented the largest amount ever issued by my Department on the first day of payments,” said Minister Poots.

“As I announced at the Balmoral Show, payments have been increased by 6.29 per-cent this year to ensure that all funding ringfenced for this purpose is used.” Minister Poots continued,

“I wish to express my thanks to staff within my Department who have worked diligently to ensure that hard-pressed farming families receive these vital payments as soon as possible. These payments represent the bulk of farm businesses’ annual income.
Maximising payments issued on day one improves the financial viability of these businesses and the wider rural economy.”

The small number of remaining applications will continue to be verified by DAERA, with payments being released daily from October 18 onwards. Payment letters will be issued by post to all customers, but can also be viewed online immediately via DAERA Online Services.