The number of successful applicants up to the end of September 1998 under the scheme of early retirement from farming are set out in the followng table. There are 385 applicants being processed at present.
In relation to the requirement to enlarge holdings, the position is that following a review of the operation of the scheme I wrote to Commissioner Fischler earlier this year seeking agreement to certain improvements to the scheme, including the replacement of the enlargement requirement with economic viability criteria. Commissioner Fischler responded positively to my request and a provision in this regard is contained in the new draft regulation on support for rural development currently being considered in the appropriate EU fora in the context of the Agenda 2000 negotiations.
Early Retirement Scheme Approvals