IFA calls on minister for details on agri-environment scheme

THE Irish Farmers Association (IFA) yesterday called on Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith to provide details of the new agri-environment scheme which he plans to introduce in 2010.

Following the Government’s decision last July to close REPS 4 to new entrants, Mr Smith called for submissions on a new scheme.

IFA Rural Development Committee chairman Tom Turley said details of the new scheme have not been provided despite the fact that the consultation process has been ongoing for three months.

“It is high time the minister instructed his department to put in place a meaningful scheme for up to 30,000 farmers who will be leaving REPS 3 over the next two years,” Mr Smith said.

“The allocation of funding indicated over the next four years for the new scheme is woefully inadequate and will translate into payment levels that will make the scheme unattractive to farmers,” he added.

Mr Smith recently told the Dáil the scheme will reduce compliance costs to participants and provide a menu of targeted actions from which farmers may choose.

“The details of the scheme are in the process of being finalised and will require the approval of the European Commission, which has already received an outline of our proposals,” he said.

Teagasc confirmed yesterday that in response to Mr Smith’s call it has produced a comprehensive document outlining key principles it believes are fundamental to the success of any new scheme.

Professor Gerry Boyle, director, said the design of the new scheme must recognise, encourage and reward farmers for the delivery of high-quality goods and services from multifunctional Irish agriculture.

He told 200 delegates at the Teagasc national agri-environment and REPS conference in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, it is essential the scheme has clearly defined and specific environmental objectives.

“It is essential that the design and implementation of the new scheme results in payments for delivery of agri-environmental goods and services in an effective and efficient manner.

“This is important to justify and secure a long-term commitment to agri-environment payments, especially in the policy domain after 2013.”

Michael O’ Donovan, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, said €3 billion has been paid out to Irish farmers in REPS since the scheme began, and at least another €1bn will be paid before the scheme ends.