Farmers demand politicians ensure that AEOS concerns are addressed

FARMERS across the country have embarked on a campaign of challenge to government politicians to ensure that concerns about the proposed Agri Environmental Option Scheme (AEOS) are addressed.

The farmers are demanding the politicians deliver a meaningful replacement for 10,000 farmers who are finishing their Rural Environmental Scheme (REPS) contract this year. They told government politicians at the first of a series of meetings in Westport and Donegal last night to stand up for rural Ireland.

Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan said the AEOS is unworkable as it now stands and it will not deliver the €50 million promised by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan in the last budget. He said Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith and rural politicians must now stand up and be counted by addressing the serious shortcomings identified in the proposed scheme.