€13 million to benefit farmers in Westmeath

Fianna Fáil Minister of State Robert Troy has confirmed that 2680 farmers across Westmeath will receive over €13 million in advance payments under the 2025 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS).

These payments provide direct income support to Irish farmers and underpin their continued sustainability and viability.

Together, these payments are worth over €510.9 million and will benefit 110,499 farmers nationwide. Advance payments began on 16 October.

Minister Troy said: "Farmers are the ones who feed the country. Without them, there would be no food on our shelves. They ensure sustainable food production for a growing population and are a vital driver of the rural economy.

"These payments are a critical support for family farms. In the coming days, farmers across the county and around the country will begin to see these payments reflected in their bank accounts.

"These supports will help safeguard family farm incomes, particularly at a time when the cost of farming continues to rise. They will provide a more stable and reliable source of income that farmers can depend on.

"There are 130,000 farms across the country, and it must always remain an absolute priority for this government to strengthen and support their incomes."

Concluding, he added: "As Ireland prepares to hold the EU Presidency in 2026, it will be a key priority to protect farmers at an EU level.

"Fianna Fáil will continue to stand firmly behind farmers and ensure that payments under the CAP, such as those announced today, are protected. Our goal is to guarantee income stability and sustainability for farmers across Ireland."