Richard Bruton
Question:14 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers in REP scheme 1 and REP scheme 2; the target number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9081/03]
Vol. 564 No. 3
14 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers in REP scheme 1 and REP scheme 2; the target number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9081/03]
As of 28 March 2003 there were 10,146 participants still in REPS 1 and 26,968 in REPS 2, making a total of 37,114. The CAP rural development plan projected that there would be 70,000 farmers in REPS by the end of the 2006. While participation levels are currently some way below what had been projected, I am confident that they can be increased significantly by the end of the programming period. Some time ago I announced a consultative process on REPS, open to all stakeholders, on which I plan to base a set of proposals to put to the European Commission. I am encouraged by the number and diversity of stakeholders who have made written submissions during the first phase of the exercise and I believe that it will lead to a better and more attractive scheme.