Griffin welcomes BPS move

ALMOST 7,000 farmers in Kerry will benefit to a combined tune of €40million following the 70 per cent advance of the Basic Payment Scheme, according to Minister of State Brendan Griffin TD. Minister Griffin said payments will be hitting bank accounts in the coming days, in welcome news for Kerry.

“Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed confirmed to me that the level of the advance payment is set at 70 per cent for this year rather than 50 per cent as provided for in the EU legislation. The remaining 30 per cent and other BPS-related payments such as Young Farmer Scheme and National Reserve top-ups will be paid in December. These payments will benefit 6,976 farmers in Kerry,” the Minister added,

Combined with ANC payments, it means that more than €880million has been issued to Irish farmers over the past month.

The news has been welcomed by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

James Clifford Caherciveen with his Supreme Scotch Lamb champion at the Miltown Ram Lamb and Aged Ram Show and Sale at Miltown Mart last week. Pictured with James are Dan McCarthy (Secretary of Milltown Mart), Paudie O’Sullivan (Milltown Mart...