Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2090. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants to, and members of, the results–based environment agri pilot programme who have applied for afforestation approval under his Department’s afforestation grant and premium scheme for the month of June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42039/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Results Based Environment Agri Pilot Programme (REAP) was designed to trial the results-based approach on a national basis and to test the upscaling potential of the model for inclusion in the next national agri-environment scheme to follow GLAS. REAP incentivises farmers to maintain and improve the environmental condition of their land.
The number of applicants to and members of the results–based environment agri pilot programme that have applied for afforestation approval under my Department’s afforestation grant and premium scheme for the month of June 2022 is zero.
It is important to note that REAP is not a whole-of-farm project and that afforestation opportunities continue to exist for REAP participants on parcels that have not been selected for the project.
Communication and positive messaging about the benefits of afforestation is crucial. On most farms, planting can comfortably co-exist with livestock enterprises and can significantly increase the net income from the holding. We must work together to communicate this positive message consistently.
