Farmer schemes & payments

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)

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Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) Overview

REPS (Rural Environment Protection Scheme), is a Scheme designed to reward Farmers for carrying our their farming activities in an environmentally friendly manner and to bring about environmental improvement on existing farms. The objectives of the Scheme are to:

• Establish farming practices and production methods which reflect the increasing concern for conservation, landscape protection and wider environmental problems;
• Protect wildlife habitats and endangered species of flora and fauna;
• Produce quality food in an extensive and environmentally friendly manner.

SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURES

Farmers in REPS were able to undertake additional actions in the form of Supplementary Measures. These were designed to take account of the need to resolve specific environmental problems that relate to the priority environmental themes of water quality, biodiversity/landscape and climate change. These Supplementary Measures provided farmers with the opportunity to draw down additional payments under the scheme. The Supplementary Measures in REPS 4 were as follows:

• Wild Bird Habitat;
• Traditional Irish Orchards;
• Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources;
• Riparian Zones;
• LINNET Habitats;
• Low Input Spring Cereals;
• Minimum-tillage;
• Traditional Sustainable Grazing;
• Incorporation of Clover into Grassland Swards;
• Mixed Grazing;
• Heritage Buildings.

Farmers who wished to undertake Supplementary Measure(s) were required to comply with the Measure(s) from the commencement date of the plan, with the exception of the Heritage Buildings measure, as a condition of eligibility for payment.

Additional payments may be made for participating in Supplementary Measures such as Organic Farming, LINNET, Rare Breeds, Traditional Orchards, Riparian setaside and Corncrake. Full details of the Supplementary Measures are available in REPS 4: Farmers Handbook (pdf 3,098Kb)

Participants in REPS must

• Carry out their farming activities for a five year period in accordance with an agri-environmental plan prepared in accordance with the Scheme document and agri-environmental specification.
• Have a plan, specific to their own farm, prepared by a Planning Agency approved by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
• Comply with eleven basic measures as follows:
  • follow a farm nutrient management plan prepared for the total area of the farm;
  • adopt an appropriate grassland management plan for the total area of the farm;
  • protect and maintain all watercourses and wells;
  • retain wildlife habitats;
  • maintain farm and field boundaries;
  • cease using herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers in and around hedgerows, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, except with the consent of the Minister;
  • protect features of historical and/or archaeological interest;
  • maintain and improve the visual appearance of the farm and farmyard
  • produce tillage crops: without burning straw or stubble; leaving a specified field margin uncultivated where no nutrients or sprays are applied;
  • become familiar with environmentally friendly farming practice,
  • prepare, monitor and update agri-environmental plan and keep such farm and environmental records as may be prescribed by the Minister.

How does a farmer apply to join REPS?

A farmer may apply to join REPS by submitting an application form and accompanying farm agri-environmental plan to the local Agricultural and Environment Structures Office (AES).

How does a farmer have an agri-environment plan prepared?

The Department of Agriculture and Food have approved a number of Planners to prepare plans. A list of approved Planners is available from local AES Offices and on the Departments WEB site. The farmer may select a planner of his/her choice.

To ensure that your application is dealt with in a speedy manner you should:

• Become fully familiar with the terms and conditions of REPS 3 before filling out application form
• Complete all forms carefully, accurately and legibly
• Provide accurate and comprehensive information
• Provide all necessary supporting documentation
• Check that all applications are fully complete and signed before submission
• Ensure applications are submitted to arrive in sufficient time i.e. before closing date
• Obtain proof of posting

Some Facts about REPS in Ireland

From 1994 - 1999 (REPS 1)

• 45,500 farmers participated in REPS 1
• Approximately 33% of the utilisable agricultural area is being farmed under REPS guidelines;
• Over €1.04 billion has been paid to farmers in REPS 1 (to June 05).

From 2000 - 2006 (REPS 2)

• 24,576 participating in REPS 2 (June 2005)
• 19,907 participating in REPS 3 (June 05)
• Over €521 million has been paid to farmers in REPS 2 (to June 05).
• Over €129 million has been paid to farmers in REPS 3 (to June 05).
• the number of REPS farmers is to grow to in excess of 50,000 by the end of 2005;

REPS is co-financed 75% by the EU and 25% by the Irish Exchequer.

Where can you get further information about REPS?

Further information regarding REPS may be obtained from your local AES Office or by contacting REPS Section, Department of Agriculture and Food, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford. Telephone 053 63400 or Lo-call 1890 200 509.

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