Joomla Software solutions Template

Senator Daly Meets with Brendan Smith in Relation to a New Rural and Environmental Protection Scheme

Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS)

Following the necessary decision last year, by the Government, to close entry to REPS 4, on budgetary grounds, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, announced the introduction of a new agri-environment scheme.  The new scheme was included in an amended Rural Development Programme, which has now been approved by the EU Rural Development Management Committee.

Funding of €50 million for up to 10,000 participants has been provided in respect of the 2010 scheme, most of which will be paid in 2011.  The new agri-environment scheme is focused on the priority areas of biodiversity, water management and climate change.  It will offer a menu of measures addressing these priorities from which farmers may choose, provided they complement the environmental profile of the farm.  Details on the operation of the new scheme are currently being finalised and Minister Smith expects to launch the scheme once the formal approval of the EU Commission has been received in the next few weeks.

To make the scheme as accessible to as many farmers as possible, the draft scheme, proposed to the EU, consisted of a menu of items, most of which had been found previously in REPS and will be familiar to existing REPS’ participants.

In order to make the scheme as administratively simple as possible and to reduce the compliance costs for participating farmers, the intention is that it will be possible for applicants to draw-up plans and submit applications without the need for a professional planner, in as many cases as possible.  A simpler plan, which should be a great deal less than the cost of REPS plans, will be required only for Natural land and non-Natura Commonage.

After the scheme has been launched, it will be open for applications until 15^th May 2010 and, following eligibility checks, approvals for a 5 year contractual period will be issued.

19^th February 2010