Explaining the early payment schedule, the minister stated “Normally LFA payments do not issue until March each year and I am very pleased to have been able to advance on this timetable. In 2009 we aim to have issued 75% of LFA payments by the end January, 87% by the end of February and 98% by the end of March. Remaining unpaid claims we anticipate will be due mostly to probate and queries and these will be cleared progressively thereafter.”
From 16 October 2008, the EU rules require DARD to make subsidy and grant payments electronically into a UK bank account nominated by individual farm businesses. Reminding farmers of this new system, the minister said: “Any farm business that has not yet provided their UK bank, building society or credit union account details to my department should do so immediately to enable any payment which may be due to them to be processed.”
The minister concluded: “To enable us to maximize the number of LFA payments during this period, farmers are asked not to phone Orchard House unless absolutely necessary. Where it is necessary to contact Orchard House, callers should bear in mind that phone lines may be busy at peak periods.”
Notes to Editors:
- Press Release 239/08 dated 7 October 2008 advised of early 2009 LFACA payments.
- 2009 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances (LFACA) payments are worth £21.2million.
- 14,672 farmers have applied to the Scheme. Some 13,600 are expected to satisfy eligibility conditions and qualify for payment.
- Payment rates in 2009 will be £40 Severely Disadvantaged Area (SDA); £20 Disadvantaged Area (DA)/Common Land. Applicants who qualify for Cattle Bonus will receive an additional payment of £10 SDA and £5 DA/Common Land.
- From 16 October 2008 all subsidy payments issued by DARD as an Accredited Paying Agency must be paid by Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS).
- All Media queries to Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
