£300million paid out in Single Farm/LFA payments- Gildernew

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced that during the last three months payment targets have been exceeded for Single Farm payments.

The Minister said: “At 14 March £300million has been paid out by my Department in Single Farm Payment (SFP) and Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances (LFACA).

“This is a good boost for the local rural economy in the current challenging economic climate. Over 96 % of SFP claims have now been finalised and 91% of LFA payments have now issued. More farmers continue to be paid more quickly than ever before.”

Commenting on claims not yet finalised the Minister said: “We are taking all possible steps to ensure that the remaining claims are processed and paid as soon as possible. These payments have been delayed for a variety of reasons. These include: queries on the claims, the need to complete the processing of on-farm inspection reports or the need to await the clearances of probate cases.

“One problem which continues to concern me, despite the fact that I have appealed for compliance on several occasions, is electronic banking. A small number of farm businesses have still not provided bank account details to enable their payments to be made by electronic bank transfer. This problem can be resolved quite easily and I urge anyone who has not yet done so to provide these details to my Department.”

She continued: “As I’ve said before, farmers can help to reduce delays by making sure that their farm maps are accurate and up to date and that they aren’t claiming for ineligible land. I can’t stress enough again how important it is that farmers tell us about changes. It is not in our interest to spend time adjusting claims nor is it in the farmers’ interests to have their payments delayed and, in many cases, penalties applied.”

In conclusion, the Minister said: “I am very encouraged at the continuing improvement in delivery of the Single Farm Payment and LFA schemes. I’d like to thank my staff in Orchard House for their efforts to get these payments out as quickly as possible. I would also ask anyone who has yet to receive their payment to be patient and work with my officials to get any outstanding matters resolved.”

Notes to editors:

1. The payment target under the Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances (LFACA) was for 90% of eligible claims to be paid by 31 March 2010.
2. The payment targets for Single Farm Payment were 83% to be paid by 31 December 2009, 90% by 31 January 2010, 94% by end of February 2010 and 96% by 31 March 2010. The targets up to the end of February have been exceeded.
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