Aid increase for small scale REPS forestry

FARMERS in REPS with up to 30 hectares (75 acres) can now avail of €724 per hectare Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS) payments on as little as five hectares.

Or landowners who plant at least eight hectares will receive aid of €774 per hectare, regardless of farm size.

Improved incentives to plant bring the maximum premia payments to €6,000 per year for a farmer planting eight hectares — without affecting his or her Single Payment.