Coveney in bid to set up AEOS for SACs

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney plans to set up an AEOS for SACs — but says he must find savings elsewhere to finance it.

Someone farming in an area with a series of limitations because it is a special area of conservation (SAC), which include determining the amount of fertiliser one can use and one’s stocking rates, must be compensated.

“We are trying to put in place a limited AEOS, which will not be as generous as the previous REPS, but at least will be an acknowledgement that those farming in special areas of conservation must have some preferential treatment in terms of support schemes put in place.

“This is why in AEOS 2, which I put together last year, those in SACs automatically qualify. Those outside SACs will qualify if they are under the ceiling in terms of the number of applicants.”