PRESSURE is mounting on the Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue, to intervene and quickly remove whatever obstacles are withholding balancing ACRES payments to hill farmers and those in ACRES Co-Operation zones.

Many farmers are ‘giving serious consideration’ to leaving the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) – the country’s flagship climate scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan.

That’s according to IFA Hill Farming Chair, Caillin Conneely, who has this week said that the organisation is receiving ‘more and more calls from frustrated farmers’ with concerns related to the ACRES scheme.

He has called for Government action to engage with farmers and provide assurances that ongoing delays will not have any consequences for advance 2024 Tranche 1 or Tranche 2 ACRES payments.

“Farmers entered the scheme in good faith; invested in planners and environmental actions; but many find themselves now not knowing where they stand; when they will get paid; or even if they have to pay back money.

“The scheme has fallen flat on its face and the blame lies with the Department.” said Mr Conneely.

Mr Coneelly said that over 10,000 farmers are still waiting on their balancing payments, and not many were paid in the last month. He wants to see a serious clear-out of the backlog for the Department to meet their latest commitment.

“Cashflow is becoming more and more of an issue on farms. Farmers need their ACRES payments today, not whenever it suits the Department.

Pictured: Caillin Conneely: Scheme has fallen flat on its face and the blame lies with Department.