Farmers furious over decision to close REPS 4 to future applicants

FARMERS are furious at the Government’s decision to close the Rural Environment Protection Scheme to new applicants and are demanding an immediate meeting with Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Farmer representatives yesterday walked out of a government meeting and are set to revolt against what they describe as “further draconian cuts” in disadvantaged area payments and the closure of REPS 4 for future applicants.