The increased afforestation grants of approximately 30% which I announced on 6 March are as proposed to the European Commission last year. The increases in premium payments, averaging approximately 32% although not matching, compare very favourably with the proposals submitted. I am satisfied the new rates represent a significant advance for forestry and will help forestry to compete on an equal footing with other land use schemes.
There are a number of other related issues which will improve the competitive position of forestry. These include the definition of farmers, which is being addressed in the context of the rural development plan.
My officials are in discussions with their colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to examine ways of complementing forestry and REPS. I am now taking up the case of farmers who had planted in earlier years and will be pursuing adequate premium increases for them.