One of the eligibility criteria for farmers wishing to participate on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is that they are actively farming. In order to satisfy that condition farmers wishing to participate in the scheme must occupy and farm in their own right and at their own risk, a minimum of 1 Hectare of land within the State, which is used solely for the purposes of carrying out an agricultural activity. This is in line with guidelines issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
An RSS participant is not required to be in receipt of a Single Farm Payment. However, according to EU regulation (REG No. 183/2005) those involved in farming activities are required to make a declaration under the Single Farm Payment Scheme annually. A copy of the Single Payment Scheme Application together with official proof of postage is one of the documents acceptable in order to demonstrate that a farmer is actively farming for the purposes of the RSS.