Farmers paying big professional fees to join GLAS

Farmers with shares in three commonages are paying up to €2,300 in professional fees to join GLAS, says Galway West Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív.

The GLAS scheme requires development and implementation of a Commonage Management Plan (CMP) which must be prepared and completed by a professional, approved, trained and qualified Agricultural Advisor.

Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, said the advisor is paid by the farmer, and is not working for his Department. The price paid is a matter for the farmer and the advisor, he said.