Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the derogation from stocking density in the disadvantage area scheme areas that will apply to agri environment options schemes participants; when the EU commission approval will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27607/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is being reduced to from €220 million to €190 million. In order to make the necessary savings it is proposed to make technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers whose farming enterprises are situated exclusively in DAS areas and who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows:

· To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;

· To maintain the countryside;

· To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.

All applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, will be written formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation on the grounds that his or her participation in one of the above measures resulted in the lower stocking density. The principles of force majeure/exceptional circumstances will also be provided for in the process and provision will also be made for new entrants to farming.

It is widely recognised that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is a very important one for this country, especially from an economic perspective, as it contributes to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families. Therefore, in proposing the changes in question, the intention is to better focus the Scheme, which is to the benefit of the majority of those farming in areas with recognised constraints, while at the same time attempting to cater for those genuinely prevented from achieving the revised minimums. Furthermore, every effort will be made to accommodate all active farmers who may find themselves otherwise adversely affected by the changes introduced for the 2012 Scheme.

EU Commission approval has not been received to date and the proposed changes may be subject to change.