Lead in times for commonages needed, ahead of new Rural Development Programme – McHugh

Fine Gael Donegal TD, Joe McHugh, has called for lead in times for commonages ahead of the new Rural Development Programme which is being sent to the European Commission for approval.

“I have been meeting with farmers, including a group this week, to hear their views and opinions on the issue of commonages and the Rural Development Programme. I met with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Simon Coveney, yesterday evening and raised these concerns with him.

“Regarding the GLAS scheme, I specifically welcome the Minister’s confirmation that an independently chaired implementation group will be established to address issues as they arise in relation to payments on commonages.

“During my meeting with Minister Coveney, I outlined that a lead in time is needed in order to allow farmers sufficient time in addressing their individual and collective set ups. I am also calling for the implementation plan to work closely with farmers as it’s not just as simple as putting sheep on hills. Engagement with farmers is imperative for the scheme to work.

“The Minister confirmed that the requirement for 80% of active farmers to participate in collective action on commonage has been replaced by a 50% rate, applying to either 50% of active farmers or 50% of the total commonage land.

“I welcome the new top up payment for island farmers, acknowledges the particular challenges these farmers face. In addition to the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme, farmers who are resident on the island will receive an additional €150 per forage hectare, subject to the maximum of €250 per hectare up to 34 hectares. Where the farmer is not resident on the island the top up rate is €75 per forage hectare.

“The importance of addressing the complicated nature of commonages and coming up with viable working solutions is essential for the development of this key industry. While there is general agreement amongst farmers that there is no one easy way to do this, I am encouraged by the proposal that the Minister has put forward. I acknowledge that there are still many challenges that need to be addressed, but the only way to do this is to engage with all relevant parties and not be afraid to make changes if something isn’t working.

“Additional welcome elements of the submission to the European Commission include a top up payment of up to €2,000 per annum for farmers who take on particularly challenging environmental actions; an annual rate of €120 per hectare will apply for the collective actions applicable on commonages, an increase on old rate of €75; the low input permanent pasture and traditional hay meadow actions will attract a payment of €314 per hectare each year; new measures to help the conservation of important wildbird species will attract rates of between €205 to €375 per hectare per year.”