IFA National Council votes unanimously to reject delays in farm scheme payments

Speaking at the council, Mr Cullinan said delaying payments was "totally wrong" and would not be accepted

IFA President Tim Cullinan. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

IFA President Tim Cullinan said the association's National Council has unanimously rejected plans by the Department of Agriculture to delay payments for farm schemes.

Speaking at the council, Mr Cullinan said the delays would mean that ANC payments would be pushed out by four weeks, with the Basic Payment being pushed back by two weeks.

“The Minister must come out of hiding on the issue and give an assurance to farmers that their payments will be on the same dates as last year,” he said.

“The Department has acted unilaterally. Delaying payments is totally wrong and IFA will not accept any delay. This will cause havoc later this year as bills fall due and there is nothing to meet repayments,” he said.

IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe said the Minister must intervene now and agree that payment dates for 2023 are back on the table and a solution found.

“The Department seem to have no concept of the importance of these payments. Thousands of farmers have their businesses structured around receiving these payments on the dates they get them every year. 

"Delaying them will affect bank repayments and cashflow to meet other bills,” he continued.