Louth farmers to benefit from payments scheme from today

Advance payments for farmers in Louth worth over €6,596.458, which are seen as a critical element of family farm incomes, are expected to begin from today, Louth Fine Gael TD, Paula Butterly has said.

Deputy Butterly said: “These payments will make a significant contribution to the wider economy of Louth. The money is under the 2025 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS).

“In Louth the impact of these payments is tangible. They’re not just numbers on a spreadsheet, they equate to bills being paid, machinery getting repaired and families right around Louth supported. Farmers in Louth benefitting from €6,596.458.01 shows a vote of confidence in the future of farming. These payments are the backbone of family farm incomes and a vital engine for local economies.”

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Speaking on Wednesday, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said: “I am happy to confirm that advance payments under the BISS and CRISS, worth over €510.9 million to 110,499 farmers, are expected to begin from tomorrow.

"These payments are a critical element of family farm income and, also make a significant contribution to the wider rural economy. Combined with the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme payments that issued in September it means that in excess of €694 million of area-based payments have been paid from my Department in the past month.

"Given the importance of scheme payments to farmers, I want to ensure that these payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible so that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner. Today 93.87% of applicants have been paid which is in line with our commitment under the Farmers Charter to pay 90% of eligible applications.”

“The BISS & CRISS advance payments are expected to commence at a rate of 70%. Payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days and the Department will continue to process, as a matter of urgency, all remaining cases for payment as they meet scheme criteria. I would urge any farmers with outstanding requests for documentation from the Department to return to allow payments to issue.”