DAERA clarifies the position on Basic Payment Scheme Entitlement Unit Values for Scheme Year 2020

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has today confirmed that the unit value of Basic Payment Scheme entitlements for the 2020 scheme year will be the same as the 2019 year.

In the absence of a Minister, the Department is not in a position to take a decision on adjusting unit values for the 2020 scheme year and therefore entitlements will remain same as the 2019 year.

Notes to editors: 

1. The policy decision taken in 2014 by the then DARD Minister and agreed by the NI Executive, was to differentiate the initial unit value of BPS entitlements for each farmer in 2015 and to then transition 71.4% of the way towards a flat rate support regime over the five-year period 2015 – 2019 through a series of equal annual steps.  While this mechanism was consistent with reaching a flat rate payment by 2021, it was acknowledged that adjustment to payments after the 2019 scheme year would depend on future EU CAP Reform decisions.  This point was made clear in the scheme guidance issued to farmers in 2015. 
2. The position on Basic Payments can be reviewed by a future Minister.
3. DAERA undertook a stakeholder engagement on Options for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Entitlement Unit Values Post 2019 between 4 July and 30 September 2019. 
4. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook.
5. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or via email. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.

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