Over 2,800 Offaly farmers in line for payments from this week

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD yesterday (Wednesday, October 16) announced the commencement of advance payments under the 2024 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS).

A total of 2,820 Offaly farmers had applied for the BISS payment before the deadline of May 15.

In announcing the start of the payments yesterday, Minister McConalogue said “I am delighted to confirm that advance payments under the BISS & CRISS, worth over €506 million to 110,186 farmers, have commenced today.

“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.”

"Given the importance of scheme payments to farmers, I committed to ensuring that these payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible to ensure that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner.

“Payment dates for 2024 have reverted to the payment schedule in place in previous years as committed to.

“Today, 93% of applicants have been paid, which is in line with our commitment under the Farmers Charter to pay 90% of eligible applications.”

Concluding, Minister McConalogue said, “The BISS & CRISS advance payments are commencing today 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.”

Payments under the 2024 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC), which commenced last month, are also continuing as more cases are cleared for payment, while 2024 payments under the Eco-Scheme will commence from next week.

To facilitate farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their BISS or ANC payments, extended hours are in place for the Direct Payments Helpdesk. which will be available up to 8.30pm until Friday, 18 October.

Farmers can ring the Helpdesk at 057-8674422, or submit queries online via www.agfood.ie.