Vol. 512 No. 5
56 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress, if any, made with the production of a special booklet for distribution to farmers, including their entitlements under Agenda 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26344/99]
A booklet outlining the changes to headage and premia schemes arising from the Agenda 2000 agreement is in the course of being printed and individual copies will be posted to every farmer before Christmas. The booklet will be accompanied by further docu mentation regarding the changes to the manner in which eligibility for extensification payments will be determined and on identification and registration requirements for bovine animals which must be observed as a condition for headage and premia payments.
In response to customer research and feedback, the information on agenda 2000 changes is being presented in a question and answer format which addressed the issues which farmers will have to take into consideration in order to maximise their eligibility for payments.
The documentation provided to farmers will be supplemented by a series of public meetings organised in conjunction with Teagasc where speakers from the Department will attend to present the changes and to answer questions from the audience regarding their practical implications. Some 40 meetings are in the process of being arranged commencing 10 January 2000 and further meetings will be arranged if the need arises. Full details of meetings will be publicised in national farming press and local newspapers.
