IFA: Grants for eco-sensitive lands need better flexibility and payments

GRANTS to compensate farmers for leaving eco-sensitive lands untouched need greater flexibility and must guarantee delivery of monies by October 1, says the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).

The IFA said that cash-strapped farmers who forego farming income and pay to fence off designated lands will need immediate compensation. Some uncertainty surrounds the delays that might precede the Department of Agriculture’s planned verification process under the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS).

The AEOS payments relate to compensation for non-usage of Natura (lands to be protected for reasons of heritage, wildlife protection values) and Riparian (lands adjacent to coastal and river) margins.