Leitrim farmers to receive millions in ANC grant payments starting this week

Leitrim farmers will receive over €6M as part of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme payments, which will begin this week.

A total of €183.2 million has been paid out to 86,985 farmers across the country, with payments landing in bank accounts over the coming days.

The payments, which began issuing this week, will benefit nearly 87,000 farmers nationwide, including 7,035 in Donegal (€17 million), 2,924 in Leitrim (€6.5 million), and 3,330 in Sligo (€7.1 million). 

The Areas of Natural Constraints scheme provides payments to people farming land in designated areas which face significant hardships from factors such as remoteness, difficult topography, climatic problems and poor soil conditions.

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Minister Harkin stated: "This investment represents not only an essential support for farming families, but a vital commitment to sustaining rural communities in the Northwest. For many farmers in counties such as Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, these payments are the difference between viability and vulnerability."

Minister Harkin emphasised that these figures underline the strategic importance of farming in the Northwest, where the terrain, weather and distance from major markets place additional burdens on family farms.

"This is a real investment in the backbone of our rural economy. Farming in the Northwest is about far more than producing food — it sustains communities, supports local economies, and safeguards our environment. I strongly welcome the Department’s commitment to delivering these payments promptly and urge farmers to submit any outstanding documentation to ensure no one is left behind," Minister Harkin added.

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The ANC scheme provides an 85% advance payment, with the remaining 15% due in December, ensuring that farmers have the financial support they need during the most critical parts of the farming year.

Speaking on the announcement, Minister Heydon said: “I am delighted to announce that advance payments totalling €183.2 million have issued to 86,985 farmers under the ANC scheme. Payments commencing today is a significant milestone achieved and is in line with dates agreed with the Farmers’ Charter.”

The Minister added that the scheme remains vital for rural communities: “The ANC scheme is crucial to farm families, and I know the importance of getting payments out to applicants as quickly as possible. The issuing of these payments in mid-September highlights our commitment to make payments to farmers at the earliest possible time.”

The Department has confirmed that remaining cases will be processed “as a matter of urgency” once they meet scheme criteria.

Looking ahead, Martin Heydon TD,  Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, also confirmed that his Department is on track to issue further supports, including a 70% advance under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and the Complementary Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) from October 16th, 2025 as well as a Eco-scheme payments from October 23rd, 2025.

The Department said these payments mark an important milestone in providing timely financial support to farm families.