IFA set out priorities for new REPS scheme

Mr. Turley said the Minister closed off REPS 4 last year leaving many farmers without an environmental scheme to partake in. Submissions were made to the Minister last September and there have been no meaningful discussions since then. Now that the EU has approved the broad outline of a scheme, serious and meaningful engagement must now commence.

Mr. Turley has set out key priorities for the new scheme and he called on the Minister to immediately commence discussions on the new scheme.

The IFA man said the main priorities are -

• The new scheme must be introduced by 1 March next, giving up to 10,000 farmers an opportunity to join the scheme by 15 May next.
• A standard whole farm payment must apply so as to ensure that works already completed under previous REPS contracts are maintained as well as recognising the environmental value of traditional grassland farming systems.
• Farmers should have the opportunity to partake in as many optional measures to bring the average payment under the new scheme to at least €5,000.
• A simplified application form should apply so that farmers do not have to incur costs to participate.
• Farmers who have SACs, SPAs, NHAs and commonages must secure payments equivalent to those received under the REPS 4 scheme. This is necessary as severe restrictions apply in those areas, which include destocking and specific farming practices to protect these sensitive areas.
• Contracts for the new scheme must apply from 1 March to 1 June next at the latest and payment must be made at the same time as the Single Farm Payment (mid-October next).
• Farmers who were previously never in any REPS scheme must be given an opportunity to join the new scheme based on the environmental value of their farm.

In conclusion, Mr. Turley said that the REPS scheme has been a major boost to rural economics sustaining jobs and adding significantly to the environment. A worthwhile replacement to REPS 4 must be the priority for the Minister.