Farmers ‘to get’ forestry payments

Farmers who planted part of their holding between 2000 and the end of 2004 will still obtain their full payment under the single payment scheme, according to the European Commission draft proposals.

Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh said the proposals envisage farmers, who have afforested some land, can consolidate their single payment entitlements by applying to have them transferred via the national reserve.

They would then receive from the reserve enhanced single payment entitlements per hectare on the total forage area declared in 2005. The farmers will also benefit from the premium on afforested lands, he said.