Michael Colreavy
Question:458. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his plans for developing new schemes to support small farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41403/12]
View answerTuesday, 2 October 2012
Questions (458)
Written answers
Last week I announced the re-opening of the Agri-Environmental Options Scheme, AEOS, to new entrants. I am providing €20 million for the AEOS scheme which will open shortly for applications. The scheme will build on the success of both the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and both AEOS 1 and 2 in delivering an annual income to farmers in return for farming to high environmental standards. A maximum payment of €4,000 per annum will apply to individual applicants under the re-opened scheme. As the average payments in the past have been lower than the maximum, I am confident that up to 6,000 new participants can be accepted into the scheme.
I received EU approval for the advance payment of the 2012 Single Farm Payment. This will enable payment to issue immediately following 15 October and will represent the early payment of some €600 million to farmers.
I also fully appreciate the value and importance of the other scheme payments to farmers and I remain committed to ensuring that the maximum numbers are paid at the earliest possible date, mindful, of course, of the over-riding necessity to ensure compliance with the governing EU requirements. Payments worth some €159 million under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme have been issued since 26th September last. This funding will provide a boost to the rural economy and will benefit all areas of the country. REPS payments in respect of 2011 are up to date. A total of €64 million has been paid out to-date and these payments are continuing on an on-going basis. AEOS payments are well advanced and are being issued as quickly as possible. To date €23 million has been paid. My intention is to ensure that payments in respect of 2012 are made on the earliest possible date.