Reserve may open for ‘young/old’

The 2015 National Reserve scheme may be expanded, to include “young/old farmers” — those who do not qualify as ‘young farmers’ or as ‘new entrants’.

The Reserve opened for applications on January 5, and will close on March 31.

Successful applicants will receive entitlements based on the eligible land declared on their 2015 Basic Payment Scheme application, equal to the national average value of entitlements. Successful applicants who already hold entitlements which are below the national average value will receive a top-up.

There are two priority categories:

* ‘Young farmers’, aged no more than 40 when first applying for the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme; setting up an agricultural holding for the first time, or having set up such a holding in the five years preceding the first Basic Payment application; who have successfully completed a recognised FETAC level 6 or equivalent course in agriculture.

* ‘New entrants’ defined as farmers who commenced farming in the previous two years and who otherwise fulfil all the eligibility criteria.

Meanwhile, maximum flexibility has been announced by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney on educational requirements needed to qualify for preferential access to the National Reserve, and for the new Young Farmers Scheme single farm payment top-up of 25%.

To be accepted as a ‘young farmer’ or ‘new entrant’ in 2015, any person who meets the other eligibility criteria has been given up to and including September, 2016, to commence a qualified agricultural course for the required FETAC level 6 award or its equivalent.

But any person who benefits from the National Reserve or the Young Farmers Scheme, and who fails to complete the required course, will have to repay any benefits received.