IFA National Rural Development Chairman Tom Turley has urged the 20,000 farmers who will receive letters this week from the Department of Agriculture outlining that there are errors in the Single Farm Payment application to respond immediately so that vital farm direct payments can be made on time.ÂIn many instances the issues are minor and can be very easily rectified.

 

Mr Turley said that the Disadvantaged Area payments are due to be paid on the week beginning the 20^th of September and it is vital that all land areas are corrected so that all farmers can be paid.

 

In the case of the SFP, an advance of 50% is due to be paid in mid October.ÂThe IFA is urging the Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith to ensure that all farmers receive this advance irrespective of whether the errors have been cleared up or not.ÂAny adjustments in payments can be rectified when the 2^nd 50% trance is paid on the 1^st of December.

 

The IFA Rural Development Chairman also said that resolving errors of land area is extremely important for REPS 3, REPS 4 and AEOS payments, which are due between now and the end of the year.ÂDirect payments are a vital support for farmers and in many cases represent the total net income particularly on drystock farms.