IFA urges introduction of upland environmental management scheme

IFA hill farming chairman Tom Fadian said now is an opportune time to introduce an upland environmental management scheme, along with the implementation of new stocking levels.

The Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture yesterday published a report on commonages and upland areas.

Mr Fadian said: “In the context of eligibility for land, farmers have been particularly concerned where areas have been reduced following Department of Agriculture inspections, as these areas were deemed not to meet Good Environmental Agricultural Conditions.

“De-stocking of hills 10 years ago has led to some areas becoming overgrown.”