Manx farmers will receive the final payment from the Isle of Man Government’s Agricultural Development Scheme (ADS) a month ahead of schedule due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
Qualifying farmers receive their ADS payment in three instalments with the final balancing payment due at the end of April 2020.
The Isle of Man Government will instead bring the final payment forward to ease the pressures farmers are facing to meet their requirements to tend to their stock whilst under COVID-19 movement restrictions.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘Spring is a very busy time of year for most off our farmers; it is the peak time of year for cattle calving, obviously lambing is in full swing and there is spring planting and sowing to get done.
‘We have brought forward this payment to help ease some pressure during this unprecedented time.’
The scheme helps deliver practical and effective support to farmers as the foundation for a thriving, diverse Manx agricultural industry whilst protecting the Isle of Man’s landscape and natural heritage and maintaining its productive capacity.
