Plans for NI farmers to receive a top-up to the Farm Sustainability Payment have been delayed, DAERA has confirmed.
Last month, the department said an extra payment would be issued during October, however that timeline has now been pushed back.
Funding for the top-up is to come from unspent money from the 2025-2026 agricultural budget, although exact payment rates remain unclear.
“A final 2025 Farm Sustainability Transition Payment is planned, however DAERA is not yet in a position to confirm timing or value,” a DAERA spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Sources indicate the lack of an agreed budget by the NI Executive, coupled with tight public finances in general, has led to the delay with DAERA issuing unspent funds.
A second farm payment was issued in early October last year, which equated to 8% of entitlement values. In 2024, a smaller top-up worth 1% of entitlements was paid out.
Sources suggest this year’s top up could be similar to last year as there was significant unspent agricultural funding in the last financial year.
A key factor was the new Suckler Cow Scheme, as only 60% of heifers and 75% of mature cows met criteria for the £100 per head payment.
