Changes to REPS scheme welcomed

FARMERS have welcomed the formal approval by the EU Star Committee of the changes to the REPS Scheme, including payment on land over 55 ha.

IFA Rural Development Chairman Padraig Divilly advised farmers currently in REPS that they can transfer to the new REPS 3 Scheme at their next anniversary date. Farmers whose anniversary dates have fallen due since March 1 will be able to apply for back-dated payments at the new rates (€200 per ha on the first 20 ha, €175 per ha on the next 20 ha, €70 per ha on the next 15 ha and €10 per ha on the remaining hectares on the farm).

These payments are up to 30% higher than the previous REPS scheme.

Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh said he introduced REPS 3 on June 1, but EU approval was delayed when another member state raised a technical issue.

“A farmer with a holding of 55 hectares will receive €8,550 per annum compared to €6,040 at present,” the Minister said. The

ICMSA has also lent its support for the new scheme, with Farm Services and Environment Committee Chairman Lorcan McCabe encouraging participation. The organisation has REPS forms on its website.