SDLP Strabane councillor
Patsy Kelly says delays in Single Farm Payments are leaving some farmers under
pressure and struggling to pay bills.
Cllr Kelly says concern is mounting as some
farmers have revealed they are facing pressure to pay their autumn bills.
Mr Kelly said: “The picture is really only
starting to emerge. Farmers who have contacted the SDLP say they were expecting
to receive their Single Farm Payment two to three weeks ago. They’re saying
they would use that payment to pay suppliers for a variety of items, such as
meal and fuel bills and, in some cases, the banks.
“Now, they’re saying they've been told their land is to
be inspected and they’ll have to just wait. Farmers are saying they should have
been forewarned that payment would be delayed because at least they would have
had time to make alternative arrangements to pay off suppliers and keep them
happy, and in other cases, negotiate with the bank.
“What we’re seeing is serious pressure being placed on
the finances of some farmers, and their cash flow. In some cases there is
already enough pressure, so they don’t need this.
“I will be raising the matter with our Agriculture
spokesperson, West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne, who is vice-chairperson of the
Assembly Agriculture Committee, to ensure the concerns of farmers are
heard at the Assembly."
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