Farmers in Co. Monaghan have delivered a clear message to Government TDs
over the week-end, following a 50% cut in the funding for the promised AEOS
Scheme.  300 farmers in the county, whose incomes will be devastated as a
result of this decision have highlighted their anger at the failure of the
new Government to deliver the promised AEOS Scheme, similar to last year.

Monaghan IFA Co Chairman Bert Stewart said, “There is huge anger among
farmers on the ground, who were promised the Scheme would be similar to last
year. The Minister’s first major decision has left farmers very disappointed
in Co Monaghan.  He must re-examine the Scheme and look at ways to increase
the number of farmers who can qualify at last year’s rate of payment.”

The meetings with TDs followed an emergency IFA Executive Council in
Portlaoise on Friday, which heard strong criticism of the Minister for
Agriculture Simon Coveney for his failure to deliver a meaningful AEOS
Scheme, which was announced in last year’s Budget and promised to farmers in
the recent General Election.
Bert Stewart said “Up to 300 farmers in the county will have completed their
REPS3 Plan before the mid-May application date.  Agri-environment payments
such as AEOS and REPS are a vital part of the farming system, supporting
farm incomes and adding greatly to the environment and the wider rural
economy. Farmers around the country are extremely annoyed that the AEOS has
been watered down by Minister Coveney.”

Monaghan IFA Co Chairman Bert Stewart said the reality is that for many
farmers, the reduction in payments for farmers leaving REPS and joining AEOS
will amount to an average of €3,000. “For a low-income sector of farming,
this is a devastating blow and is significantly acute in SAC and commonage
areas where farming activities are severely restricted.”