Full CAP payments for Northern Ireland farmers to begin in December

The CAP payments will be a "big boost" to farmers facing cash flow issues this winter
The CAP payments will be a "big boost" to farmers facing cash flow issues this winter

Northern Irish farmers are expecting CAP payments to enter bank accounts from 1st December after many have faced cash flow issues this winter.

The European Commission approved an application from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to increase the rate of advance payments from 16 October 2017.

Balance payments, or full payments for those not eligible for an advance payment, will commence from 1 December 2017.

It is anticipated that payments will begin to reach farmers’ bank accounts from Wednesday 6 December 2017. Payments will be made on a daily basis throughout December.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said that the issuing of balance and full CAP payments from 1st December will be a big boost to those farmers facing cash flow issues this winter.

UFU deputy president Ivor Ferguson said: “A considerable number of inspections cases have been cleared and many of those who did not receive an advance payment in October will now be paid in full. This will be a big relief to those farmers, especially after months of wet weather and increased winter feed bills and other costs looming.”

Northern Ireland saw fierce flash flooding in August. A number have lost livestock or suffered damage to farmland or properties. For example, tens of thousands of chickens were killed in the floods.

The long stretch of wet weather has also blighted Northern Ireland's potato industry, leaving many fields virtually inaccessible.

Mr Ferguson continued said the UFU are "often critical" of DAERA, but in terms of this year’s smooth process of CAP payments, the department have done a "job well done".

“Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK to have received an advance payment. This is testament to the efforts of farmers and DAERA to get the system working well,” said the UFU deputy president.

While this is good news for the vast majority of farmers, the UFU recognises that there will still be some that will have to wait for payments as their claims are queried for various reasons.

“Waiting on a payment is beyond frustrating, especially after the difficult year we have had weather wise. We want to see DAERA apply the same drive in sorting out these outstanding claims as they have done in making advance payments and payments in full in December to ensure that those waiting receive their CAP payment without delay,” said Mr Ferguson.