2,184 farmers in Longford poised to receive over €8.2 million in payments
Minister Charlie McConalogue: "These payments are critical to family farm income and a vital support for farmers as well as the rural economy"
Advance payments under the 2024 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) totalling €8.265 million have commenced to 2,184 farmers in county Longford.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, TD, announced yesterday (Wednesday, October 16) that the advance payments under the BISS & CRISS, worth over €506 million to 110,186 farmers, have commenced.
Minister McConalogue remarked, "Given that these payments are critical to family farm income and a vital support for farmers as well as the rural economy, I am pleased to have delivered payment levels this year that far exceed what was achieved at the commencement of payments in 2023. This means that 6,000 more farmers have been paid and €54m more in payments has gone out this year compared to the commencement of payments in 2023.”
Longford Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty said the payments 'are a vital support to farm families'.
Deputy Flaherty added, "Minister McConalogue has confirmed that he has committed to ensuring that these payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible and that payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days.
"These payments further underline Fianna Fáil's commitment in government to supporting farm families and protecting the viability of farming livelihoods to the maximum extent possible.
"We are focused on listening to farmers, acting on their concerns and being absolutely committed to continuing to help them meet the varied significant challenges across the sector.”
Senator Micheál Carrigy emphasised the importance of the timely delivery of these funds. “With 93% of applicants already paid, the Department is fulfilling its commitment under the Farmers Charter to ensure that payments are processed efficiently. This is crucial for farmers, particularly at a time when sustainability is becoming an increasing focus within the sector.”
He also encouraged farmers to ensure they complete any outstanding documentation requests to avoid delays in receiving payments. “If any farmers have outstanding requests for documentation from the Department, I urge them to submit these as soon as possible to facilitate quicker payments.”
To facilitate farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their BISS or ANC payments, extended hours are in place for the Direct Payments Helpdesk. From Monday 14 October to Friday 18 October, the Helpdesk will be available up to 8.30pm. Farmers can ring the Helpdesk at 057-8674422. Farmers can also submit any queries they may have online via www.agfood.ie.