Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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530. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce new schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28440/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that there are ongoing difficulties being experienced by those in the farming community, not least our tillage farmers. I am convening a meeting of tillage sector stakeholders on Wednesday 5 October to consider challenges and emerging opportunities in the sector.  I have indicated that as well as the challenges posed by current weather and price related difficulties for growers, significant changes will take place in the international trading environment in the coming months and years.  

In relation to the BPS and Greening Payment, I am pleased to confirm that advance payment is scheduled for 17 October next, the earliest possible date by which payments can commence under the governing EU Regulations, and that the necessary preparations are being made to maximise the number of payments on that date. In the light of difficulties on farms this year, advance payment will be at 70% which will significantly support farmers with cashflow problems. The second instalment of payments will commence on 1 December. My Department is prioritising the processing of all payments including Basic Payment Scheme ( BPS), the areas of Natural Constraint Scheme, GLAS and AEOS which are worth over €1.5 billion annually.

Processing of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme payments is on schedule and payments commenced during the third week in September with almost 65,000 applicants being paid a total of €140.9 million. This was an increase on the 57,000 applicants paid €117 million in the first phase in 2015. It is expected that approx 96,500 will fulfil the scheme eligibility requirements. To date in excess 77,500 applicants have been paid a total of €167 Million. Payments are continuing on a twice weekly basis to ensure prompt payments to applicants as they fulfil the scheme stocking requirements.

The Farm Assist Programme is under the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Social Protection. It is a means-tested payment for low income farmers. Any issues regarding the changing of the qualifying criteria for this programme should be addressed to the Department of Social Protection.

In regard to the national fodder position, my information is that sufficient quantities of both hay and silage are available nationally, for the forthcoming winter feeding period. We will continue to monitor the situation on the ground over the Winter months.