OVER 12,000 Galway farmers should be seeing BISS monies entering their bank accounts this week, following confirmation from Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue on Tuesday, that payments had commenced for 2023.

Galway farmers are expected to receive in the region of €50 million plus in the support payments which are two divided into two categories – BISS (Basic Income Support for Sustainability) and CRISS (Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability).

The CRISS element should be of significant benefit to West of Ireland farmers with this part of the scheme designed to redistribute CAP funds from larger farms to medium/smaller units.

Minister McConalogue confirmed that the 70% advance payment would be worth €452 million to 104,764 farmers right across the country – the rollout of payments began on Tuesday.

“This is the second October Tuesday of three that advance payments are issuing to farm families the length and breadth of Ireland. This equates to approximately 90% of applicants that are currently eligible.

“I know just how crucial these payments are for family farm income, but I also recognise how important they are to businesses across the country bringing a welcome boost in cashflow to the rural economy.

“I am committed to ensuring that these scheme payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible to ensure that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner,” said Minister McConalogue.

He also confirmed that payments under the Eco-Schemes would be commencing next week [from Oct. 31] and that 98% of completed scorecards for the ACRES environmental scheme had been received by the Department.

Pictured: Charlie McConalogue: 90% of applicants being paid out.