Connacht Gold man to chair appeals committee for controversial scheme

Connacht Gold chairman Padraig Gibbons has been appointed as chairman of the appeals committee for the controversial 2012 disadvantaged areas scheme (DAS).

In August, farm groups sought an extension for applications to the DAS 2012 scheme due to a late revision to the EU’s stocking density guidelines and a number of other changes to the regulations. In response, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney pushed the applications deadline back by one week to Aug 31.

In applying for DAS funds, farmers must now have a stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare, up from the previous 0.15 stipulation. However, those who do not comply with this rule can still seek a derogation under a number of categories, by applying to the new appeals committee.