GLAS 3 to open in mid-November for just six weeks
THE GLAS 3 scheme will be opening from mid-November allowing a further 12,000 participants to join, according to Roscommon FG Senator, Maura Hopkins.
In a statement issued this week, Senator Hopkins said that GLAS 3 would be re-opening for a six weeks’ period from the middle of next month – something that would enable participants to draw down a full 12-month payment in 2017.
She said that she had been working with a number of farmers who had failed to get into GLAS 2 because of the fact that priority was given to farmers in environmentally sensitive areas including protected habitats, endangered birds and high quality watercourses.
“Since then I’ve been working with many farmers who received their rejection letters last Spring. I know many of them, in consultation with their GLAS advisers, have found ways to ensure their plans can potentially reach Tier 2 for GLAS 3.
“This will dramatically improve their chance of receiving approval so I hope they will apply again to join GLAS 3. The terms and conditions of GLAS 3 will be published in early November so I would encourage all interested farmers to contact a GLAS adviser and establish if the scheme is suitable for the farm.
“There is a potential to generate €5,000 per annum for five years. Farm incomes in our region are under pressure due to poor weather and prices, so this potential source of additional income should be considered,” said Senator Hopkins.
Galway IFA Chairman, Pat Murphy, said that the sooner GLAS 3 was opened up for applications the better for farmers.
“Farmers in Galway and across the West of Ireland have always embraced environmental schemes with great interest and enthusiasm.
“The more farmers we can get into those schemes the better, as they are a vital source of income for the farming community. I would advise all interested farmers in GLAS 3 to consult their advisors or consultants and to have their applications ready to go,” said Pat Murphy.
An allocation of just over €600 million has been made in the Budget under the Rural Development Programme for 2017 with over €241 earmarked for AEOS, GLAS and REPS Organics.
€202 million has been allocated for Areas of Natural Constraint in 2017; €52m for the Beef Data and Genomics Scheme; €50m for TAMS (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme); €25.6m for the Knowledge Transfer Programme and €25m for the Sheep Animal Welfare Scheme (€10 per ewe).