Old problems with new guidance, says ICSA
There is confusion over density of rushes per hectare, and the meaning of “within the parcel or red-lined area” to define lands eligible for supports.
The department issued the booklet in response to a long-running controversy over fines for land-parcel identification system overclaims, relating to land parcels which farmers claimed as marginal, but which were then assessed as ineligible for EU eco-focused supports.
“ICSA is calling for refunds for all farmers who have been penalised on foot of so-called overclaims under the land-parcel identification system review due to the uncertainty around ineligible area,” said Dermot Kelleher.
He said that the booklet has 29 pages to define land eligibility, versus the department’s three-page document.
“When you see the level of difficulty in defining whether marginal land is eligible or not, it is a complete travesty that a 20% overclaim leads to a 100% penalty or that a 3% overclaim leads to a treble penalty,” he said.
