Hundreds of Donegal farmers are to benefit from today’s announcement of the commencement of advance payments under the 2024 Eco-Scheme.
Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, said payments under the scheme, worth €206 million to 110,450 farmers, have commenced.
“The aim of Ireland’s Eco-Scheme is to reward farmers for undertaking actions beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity,” he said.
“Eco-Scheme payments are a vital support for farmers and the payment rate in 2024 will be €66.50 per eligible hectare. The €206 million payment made today, which is €22 million more than in the advance payment in 2023, builds on the BISS advance payment last week to over 110,000 farmers meaning that total advance payments on BISS, CRISS and Eco-scheme over the last week amounts to over €712 million.”
To facilitate farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their Eco-Scheme payments, extended hours are in place on Wednesday 23rd October where the Direct Payments Helpdesk will be available up to 8.30pm. Farmers can ring the Helpdesk at 057-8674422. Farmers can also submit any queries they may have online via www.agfood.ie.
