EU increase payments to 100,000 farmers

One hundred thousand farmers living in what are designated disadvantaged areas are to get increased payments from the EU over the next six years.

The rates for the disadvantaged areas scheme are to increase by eight per cent.

Farm Minister Mary Coughlan said today the total pay out under the scheme will amount to €1.8bn.

The minister also said that she is extending the aid paid under the scheme to land used to produce energy crops.