I welcome the announcement that payments totalling €1.9 million have commenced issuing to farmers under the Baling Assistance Payment (BAP).

The Baling Assistance Payment was introduced in summer 2024, as a once off measure, to support tillage farmers to produce straw for bedding and for fodder during a particularly difficult period of weather. Its establishment allowed farmers who were in the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) to withdraw and enter BAP to ensure we maximised the availability of fodder and bedding nationally.

Farmers who chose to withdraw or partially withdraw from SIM and enter BAP will start to receive payments in the coming days. I would encourage any farmers who have yet to provide the required supporting documentation to submit the information to my department to allow final payments to be made.

Payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days.

Farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their Baling Assistance Payment, can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422 or by email to [email protected]