Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that compliant with good agricultural environment condition is a farming activity for the purposes of the single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56845/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In order to be eligible under the Single Payment Scheme and other area based schemes, an applicant must ensure that all agricultural land is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC). EU regulations governing the area based schemes set minimum standards for GAEC which must be complied with by means of the undertaking of appropriate agricultural practices. Theses standards set requirements relating to the protection of soil from erosion; maintenance of soil organic matter levels; maintenance of soil structure; minimum level of maintenance and avoidance of deterioration of habitats and the protection and management of water. Farmers can keep grassland in GAEC by conducting an agricultural activity on it, such as grazing, harvesting forage crops, or by topping. As a general principle, grasslands continue to be eligible where it is evident that the stocking rate on the land is sufficient.