To qualify for the farmer rate of premium, applicants under the afforestation grant and premium scheme of my Department must: practice farming within the State; reside within 70 miles of the plantation; own, lease or be in joint management of at least three hectares of an agricultural holding; derive at least 25% of their income from farming in the State in one of the three years prior to completion of afforestation and provide documentary evidence of same. These conditions determining the granting of the farmer rate of premium are currently under review.