€22m payback to sugar farmers begins

PAYMENTS to former sugar beet growers under the diversification element of the sugar reform package agreed last year have commenced.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan said that these payments, worth almost €22 million, are the latest phase due to the farmers affected: “Given the difficulties experienced by those former growers, I am determined that the payments due under the various elements of the compensation package be made as swiftly as possible.”

A further payment of €22m will be made subject to clearance with the European Commission.