IFA Rural Development Chairman Seamus Traynor has said that further changes to the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) specifications would help some farmers achieve a higher payment under the new scheme.

Mr Traynor was speaking following a meeting of IFA Officials with the Department of Agriculture in Portlaoise. According to him it will be possible in Natura areas and Riparian margins, where there is species rich grassland, to get the higher payment of €314/ha. This change will help some farmers to reach the €5,000 maximum payment without taking on extra measures.

It has also been confirmed to IFA that Riparian and Grassland margins can be claimed for the SPF and DAS payments as long as they meet the Good Agricultural Environment Conditions (GAEC) of cross compliance. Mr Traynor said, “IFA is continuing to seek further adjustments to the scheme as it is vital that the promised €150/ha payment in Natura areas and flexibility on species rich grassland is delivered.  It would appear now that the Department of Agriculture does not now expect the 10,000 limit in the scheme to be reached.  Every effort must be made to ensure that the maximum number of farmers is allowed into the scheme and the €50m available is fully utilised.”

The Rural Development Chairman also expressed disappointment that the Department of Agriculture has not yet put in place the necessary resources to deal with applications for this scheme. IFA is insisting that farmers who apply before the 17

May Single Farm Payment deadline have their plans commence from 1 June next and payment for 2010 be based on seven months from then until the end of the year. “It is not acceptable for the Department to drag out the start date, as already many farmers who have left REPS 3 have not had an agri-environment payment for up to 2 years,” stated Mr Traynor. He also called for clarification for farmers who will leave REPS 3 after 17 May. “They must be allowed apply for the AEOS with Plans commencing from 1st January next for a 5-year period,” concluded Mr Traynor.