Single Farm Payments approved

THE European Commission yesterday approved a request by Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan to provide for a 50% advance of the Single Farm Payment because of the impact of the wet summer on farming.

Normally, the €1.3 billion in payments are issued on December 1, but the minister requested the commission to make the advance because of the weather. They will be made to those whose applications are confirmed fully clear, with effect from October 16, with balancing payments being made with effect from December 1.

Ms Coughlan said she is also encouraged by the commission’s commitment to examine payment arrangements for following years in the context of the forthcoming “health check” on the CAP.