Under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, provision has been made for a scheme of investment aid for farm waste management to facilitate the management of farm waste. The scheme was introduced on 1 February 2001 and funding amounting to some £181 million has been allocated for the duration of the plan. Additionally, funding of £1.6 billion has been allocated for the rural environment protection scheme – REPS – over the period. All participants in the REP scheme must have adequate waste storage facilities in place and follow a nutrient management plan. In addition, farming in accordance with good farming practice, which includes proper management and storage of farm wastes, is a pre-condition to participation in all other schemes approved by the European Union.