New GLAS scheme threatening their livelihoods, say protesting hill farmers
Farmers attending the IFA-led protest want Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to address restrictions on commonages and other vulnerable areas before he submits his Rural Development Plan to the EU.
IFA president Eddie Downey says farmers need clarity on the stocking of commonages. He highlighted farmer opposition to the “unworkable” collective agreement rule, pay levels for all GLAS measures, including the Natura designated area payment, and details of eligible items for grant aid under TAMS II.
Farmers were also strongly critical of Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan, demanding that no restrictions be placed on special areas of conservation (SACs) without adequate consultation and compensation.
IFA SAC chairman Tom Turley said: “The two ministers need to come forward with a plan to sort out designation issues, with an immediate commencement of inclusive discussions on the commonage framework plan.”
Pat Dunne, chairman of the IFA’s hill farming committee, said he also wants to see meaningful engagement on the stocking rules, a higher GLAS payment in hill areas, higher ANC payments and a specific measure for hill sheep under the knowledge transfer criteria.
IFA rural development chairman Flor McCarthy has also urged the minister for agriculture to change the GLAS ranking system in favour of low-income farmers and to remove any specific reference to an organic nitrogen limit in the selection criteria.
“There should be no reference to such categories within the GLAS criteria. All farmers, in particular those who are on low incomes, must get priority.”
