Payments a welcome respite for farmers after difficult summer

Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, of the payment of the two vital funding schemes, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS) and the Agri-Environmental Options Scheme (AEOS).

Nearly €2.7m will be paid out to 1300 farmers across Laois under the 2012 DAS. Deputy Flanagan also welcomed the reopening of the AEOS to new entrants, as announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD.

“The combination of these two announcements will provide a welcome boost to the farming community. Payments under the 2012 DAS will start issuing on schedule this week, delivering a total of €154 million to farmers across the country.

“I am delighted that the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme began to issue last week. This represents a significant boost not only to these farmers and their families, but for the wider rural economy.

“Despite the challenging budgetary constraints within the Department, I am delighted that the Minister has been able to provide €20m for the AEOS scheme which will open shortly for applications. AEOS will build on the success of both the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and both AEOS 1 and 2 in delivering an annual income to farmers in return for farming to high environmental standards.

“AEOS will provide funding to farmers to undertake identifiable and verifiable environmental measures the areas of bio-diversity, water quality and climate change. It is clear to me that the Scheme will benefit farmers and the environment.

“I spent last Monday with farmers from across County Laois and I witnessed the difficulties they face first hand following a difficult and wet summer. These payments will provide a welcome relief to farm families right throughout the county.”