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.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said farmers are outraged at these decisions at a time when farm incomes are at their lowest level in almost a decade and tens of thousands of farm families are struggling to survive.

He said it is now clear the Government and public sector bosses are hell bent on creating a two-tier society. Farm incomes are now below a third of those enjoyed by the public sector.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association president Malcolm Thompson said, “This is entirely unacceptable and another devastating blow to the farming community, who have already been subjected to savage budget cuts. The decision to close the REPS scheme and use modulated funds to support new agri environment measures shows a complete lack of foresight and will totally undermine confidence in environmental protection schemes.”

Yesterday, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith said “In view of the current budgetary situation and the increase, over the past year, from 46,694 to approx 62,000 in the number of REPS’ participants, it has been decided to close REPS 4 to all new applicants, as well as those completing their current five-year REPS contracts.

“This decision is necessary to keep REPS within its budgetary allocation over the coming years. A record 17,000 applications were received for the 2009 scheme, which closed in mid-May. The 2009 scheme also represents the highest-ever spending on REPS.”

Mr Smith described REPS as “a very successful scheme which, up to and including this year, has contributed over €3 billion to Irish farmers.”

He confirmed “Payments will continue within REPS and several hundred million will continue to be paid to current participants until the end of existing five-year contracts.”