Farmers can apply for REPS next week
Following discussions in Brussels with EU Farm Commissioner Franz Fischler, the minister said he expected that the technical issue that had held up European Commission approval for the new scheme to be cleared up within days.
He said he had spoken to Dr Fischler during yesterday morning’s meeting of agriculture ministers and had explained how Ireland’s proposals were being slightly modified to resolve the issue that had arisen.
Mr Walsh said REPS applications from June 1 will be treated under the improved scheme currently with the European Commission for approval. Meanwhile, farmers who had start-up or anniversary dates in REPS since March 1 2004 would be given the opportunity to change over to a new five-year undertaking under the improved scheme and would get top-up payments later in the year.
“I know that a great deal of expectation has built up among farmers and I think it is important for the new REPS to go ahead as soon as possible.
“Farmers will receive on average 28% more in payments than they get in the existing scheme,” he said.
Mr Walsh said no farmer would be at a financial loss because of the delay in getting approval for the new scheme.
“I have received confirmation that formal approval will be retroactive. Consequently, we will be able to extend the benefits to farmers who joined or had anniversary dates on or after March 1.”
