Payments for Donegal farmers on the 2016 Young Farmers’ Scheme will begin in December – Minister McHugh

Fine Gael Minister of State Joe McHugh TD has confirmed that payments due under the 2016 Young Farmers’ Scheme are imminent, which he says is great news for young Donegal farmers.

“The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, has confirmed to me that payments under the 2016 Young Farmers’ Scheme will commence on 1st December which is very positive news for young farmers in County Donegal. 

“The Young Farmers’ Scheme was introduced under the reformed regime of Direct Payments to encourage and facilitate the entrance of younger, well qualified persons into our farming industry.  This payment is made in the crucial years following the young farmer establishing the holding, and has the potential to play a major role in the regeneration of agriculture in Donegal and provide a solid basis for the industry in the coming years.

“A qualifying young farmer receives the payment under the Young Farmers’ Scheme for a maximum period of five years dating from the year of setting up of the holding in his/her own name.  Many of the 8,170 young farmers who qualified under the Young Farmers’ Scheme in 2015 will receive their second Young Farmer Scheme payment in 2016.  Payment to successful applicants under the Young Farmers’ Scheme in 2016 is based on €68.54 per activated entitlement, subject to a maximum of 50 entitlements.

“Ireland has allocated 2% of the Basic Payment Scheme national ceiling to fund the Young Farmers’ Scheme each year from 2015 to 2019. This is the highest percentage allowable under the relevant EU Regulations and provides funding of some €24m annually for the scheme.

“Fine Gael recognises that farm families are the heartbeat of the rural economy and our vision for the sector will inspire the next generation of young Donegal farmers to continue the tradition of family farming. We are determined to support farmers here in Donegal to improve their working capital position and provide them with longer-term financial stability”.

ENDS