Single Farm Payment to commence in December
Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard has welcomed the announcement by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill that the paying out of the Single Farm Payment will commence in December.
Speaking to Newry Times, Hazzard stated, “I welcome the announcement by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill that over 85% of the Single Farm Payment will be paid out before Christmas with the first payments beginning the 6th December.
“Many farmers depend on the Single Farm Payment to make ends meet so I am pleased that the vast majority of payments will be in the banks this December. I would congratulate the Minister in achieving these targets given the fact that there was substantial changes to the application this year.
He continued, “I am confident that over 95% of farmers will have received their claim by February, which again is an improvement from last year. I would also reiterate the appeal by the Minister for farmers to apply online that would improve the performance yet again and allow the Department to get over 90% of applications out in early December next year.
“The injection of £213m from the Single Farm Payments to farmers will also be a tremendous boost to the rural economy in a year when it has suffered due to adverse weather conditions.
Hazzard added, “I would appeal to those farmers who are experiencing difficulties to be patient and work with the Department to resolve any outstanding issues, so that they can receive their Single Farm Payment as soon as possible.”
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