Over 1,000 apply in new young farmer schemes
A further 735 applications were in progress online, but not yet submitted.
Of the 286 applications, 266 related to the Young Farmers Scheme, 208 to the National Reserve Young Farmer priority category, and 14 to the National Reserve New Entrant priority category.
Applicants who meet the definition of ‘young farmer’ may apply to both the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme.
The schemes opened for applications on January 5.
Applicants for the national reserve need to ‘get to work straight away’ on any herd number changes, advises Co Galway agricultural consultant Vincent Costello.
“Getting herd numbers amended can take time, and we are told that there may be a logjam of applications. Anyone interested in those schemes should move straight away on them.”
He said options to be considered by applicants are:
* A joint herd number
* A lease subject to a private contract clause
* A partnership
* Or a transfer.
The closing date for National Reserve applications is March 31, 2015.
Young Farmers Scheme applicants must submit a Basic Payment Scheme application for this year, be aged not more than 40 in 2015, and have completed the Green Cert or commit to starting such a course before September 2016.
The applicant must be setting up a holding for the first time in 2015 or have done so in the preceding five years (a farmer who set up in 2012 will receive the payment for 2015/2016 only).
New Entrant applicants must have commenced farming in 2013 or later, must have a herd number registered in their name in 2013 or later, and never had their name on a herd number.
