Coveney ‘must open GLAS scheme in time to start contracts for 2015’
IFA president Eddie Downey said farmers were disappointed that they are to receive only a part-payment in year one of the new agri-environmental scheme.
Mr Coveney unveiled the details of his €4bn Rural Development Programme for 2014-20 earlier this week.
His intention is to submit this plan to the European Commission at the end of June.
Full details of the development plan are published in today’s Farming section.
“We are insisting that the new GLAS scheme provides for a full-year payment in the first year,” said Mr Downey.
“Schemes such as GLAS and Areas of National Constraint (formerly Disadvantaged Areas) play a vital role in supporting farm income.”
IFA wants GLAS to be a broad-based scheme available to 50,000 farmers minimum, with an average payment of €5,000 and a significant top-up for farmers with restrictions.
ICMSA president John Comer said GLAS needs to be demand-led.
He said farming cannot have a situation where thousands of the farmers who exited REPS are refused participation in GLAS on grounds of limited entrants or funds.
“Any farmer who wishes to participate in GLAS must be accommodated and accommodated in 2015 with payment for the full year and an unrealistic limit on the numbers participating cannot be accepted,” Mr Comer said.
“There is a real need to see all ‘on-farm’ schemes up and running this autumn. Significant investments are being made by milk suppliers for post-quota expansion.
“The additional €100m announced for on-farm investment is welcome, but grants must be made available as soon as possible.”
ICSA president Patrick Kent called for an additional €1,600 for suckler and sheep farmers participating in GLAS.
The ICSA is suggesting that a payment be made at a rate of €50/ha on up to 32 hectares for suckler and sheep farmers working with Bord Bia’s Origin Green strategy.
