Changes sought at EU level

AGRICULTURE Minister Brendan Smith will seek the European Commission’s agreement to a number of amendments proposed by farmers to the AEOS terms and conditions announced this week.

If agreed, the changes will apply for farmers who are approved for participation in the new scheme this year.

He will make a strong case to the Commission to change a proposed fertiliser ban on AEOS species-rich grassland. “I believe that this is an onerous restriction which, in fact, is contrary to traditional farming practice in many parts of the country,” said the Minister.

He will also seek Commission agreement to increase a payment relating to Natura land from €75 to €150 per hectare.

Mr Smith said he has removed a limit to the number of livestock units for the “rare breeds” measure, and also scrapped a prohibition or restriction on application of phosphorus or potassium fertiliser in the traditional hay meadows measure.

NPWS scheme rules do not allow a farmer take part in the AEOS.

Mr Smith said, “I intend to discuss, with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the issue of those farmers with Natura land who also wish to apply for the NPWS scheme.”

“Farmers, the farm organisations and I have a shared objective in making this scheme as successful as possible by maximising participation levels up to 10,000 and ensuring that as many of those achieve the maximum payment level of €5,000,” he said.