AGRICULTURE Minister, Andrew Muir,  has announced Direct Payments to Northern Ireland farmers have commenced with almost £260 million being issued on the first day.

Minister Muir said: "I am delighted to announce £258.4 million of Direct Payments have issued to 23,254 farmers, representing 98 per cent of eligible applicants, on the first day of 2024 payments.

“I am committed to ensuring both the environmental and economic sustainability of Northern Ireland’s significant agriculture sector, and my department continues to deliver for hard working farming families.

"These payments represent a significant boost to those families and to rural communities."

Payments will continue to be released following successful validation checks for the small number of remaining applications.

"Farm Businesses are reminded that, to ensure prompt payment they should check that both their contact, and bank details are up to date.

Notification of payment details will be made through the DAERA Messaging Service.  This service is a secure, fast and convenient way to view and respond to scheme correspondence.

DAERA will prompt farm businesses, by issuing an email to the scheme applicant, when a new message is available to view. 

Paper letters will issue to farm businesses where an agent submitted the application.