I am aware of the importance of agri environment payments to the agriculture sector and am actively considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of new applications. I am examining the situation against the background of the strict budgetary constraints which are in place and the difficult choices which must be made in managing limited resources and competing demands. I will make an announcement as soon as I have reached a decision on the matter.