Broad welcome for changes to ERS

The IFA and ICMSA have welcomed concessions secured under the rules for the single farm payment in relation to the Early Retirement Scheme (ERS).

IFA Rural Development chairman Padraic Divilly said farmers would not lose out entitlements as the transferees will be allowed to activate them.

When the leases to the transferees conclude, the entitlements will revert to the retired farmer who will be in a position to either lease, sell or transfer the entitlements.