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UFU comment on direct payments received by farmers

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says it is positive news that £286.9million in direct payments has been paid to Northern Ireland farmers, including a one-off increase in Basic Payment Scheme entitlements of over two percent. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Edwin Poots made the announcement earlier today (1 September), that 97 percent of local farmers will have received payment six weeks earlier than previous years.

UFU president David Brown said, “The news that over 23,000 farmers have obtained their direct payments in full is extremely positive and will be well received by members. I would like to thank DAERA and Minister Poots for the prompt payment to farmers which provides necessary financial support for our farming families at a time when on-farm input costs continue to rise. This payment will assist farmers cash flow, helping to sustain farm businesses as they continue to produce high-quality food to the highest standards.

“The remaining applicants are being treated with urgency so that our farmers can receive their payments as quickly as possible and will be released daily from 1 September onwards.”