Minister Michelle Gildernew has launched a new advisory leaflet, 'Succession Planning and Probate'.

Speaking at the launch of the leaflet the Minister said: "The farming unions raised the issue of delays in DARD payments following the death of the farm business owner. I fully understand that bereavement is a difficult time for every family but my department cannot make any payments pending a legal decision as to who is entitled to receive payment."

The Minister went on to point out the importance of seeking professional advice on making and regularly updating a will to ensure that delays in payments and disputes within families are avoided. She said: "I appreciate that passing on ownership of the farm business can be a contentious issue and there is therefore a temptation to delay making a decision."

However, she pointed out: "Failure to make legal arrangements for the future ownership of your farm business may jeopardise the future viability of the business and can compound the grief that a family is already trying to cope with ." Copies of this leaflet 'Succession Planning for Farmers' are now available at all DARD offices and online.