| IFA Rural Development Chairman Tom Turley has called for the reopening of AEOS in early 2011 so that contracts for the scheme can start at an early date. Welcoming the Budget decision to reopen AEOS for 10,000 farmers next year, Mr. Turley said that the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, must avoid the short application period, which arose earlier this year. It is vital that the 10,000 places in the scheme are fully utilized as the scheme is vital in supporting farm income. The IFA Rural Development Chairman said that the allocation to REPS/AEOS in 2011 is increased to €337m. This will allow all commitments under REPS 4 and AEOS to be honoured next year. It is vital that the Minister for Agriculture avoids as little carryover of payments from this year into next year. On other Budget issues, IFA estimate that 14,500 farmers will receive their 20% tranche of Farm Waste Management grant before the end of the year. The remaining 2,500 farmers will get their payment in early January. All farmers will receive their interest payment separately also early in the New Year. Tom Turley has also welcomed the recognition of the important role Disadvantaged Areas play in supporting the incomes of 100,000 farmers. This scheme is worth €220m and is vital in protecting farm incomes and the allocation for next year remains unchanged. On farm grants, IFA has got assurances that the Dairy Hygiene scheme and the Water Harvesting scheme will open in early 2011. Also the Sheep Handling & Fencing scheme as well as the Pigs & Poultry Welfare scheme are fully protected with a total allocation for TAMS of €19m. Also, €8m has been provided for FIS to pay grants to 500 farmers who will complete work under the scheme in 2011. Tom Turley has also acknowledged the commitment to maintain important Rural Development measures such as the Rural Social Scheme, the Rural Recreation Scheme including Walks, Leader and the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme. Concluding, the IFA Rural Development Chairman said farm schemes are vital to the survival of farming and IFA will be demanding that the CAP Rural Development Plan is not interfered with again in the remaining 3 years of the Programme. The Budget decisions underpin schemes in 2011 and beyond |
Friday, 17 December 2010 14:36