Vol. 509 No. 2
91 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on whether a farmer in a REP scheme stands to incur considerable financial loss if a site is sold to a family member, particularly when part of the farm is designated a special area of conser vation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20153/99]
Where, during the period of their REPS plan, a participant in the scheme sells or otherwise transfers part of their farm to another person the transferor may remain in the scheme subject to an amended agri-environmental plan being prepared for the remaining lands and a proportionate adjustment in the payment being made. Aid already paid proportionate to the transferred land must be reimbursed.
This condition is required as the transferred lands will no longer benefit from farming practices and production methods which reflect the need for environmental conservation and protection.
