Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government commits to rewarding farmers for adapting to more sustainable methods of farming and to the development of a new agri-environment scheme capable of delivering broad environmental and biodiversity benefits that will align financial supports with climate objectives. To advance this aim, the Results-Based Environmental Agri Pilot (REAP) opened for applications on 21st April.

REAP is an innovative, ambitious and farmer-friendly pilot that will deliver an important income boost to farmers. While the project will support our environmental objectives, it will also support farm incomes by providing up to €12,600 to participating farms over the term of their REAP contract. It is a targeted measure for farmers not currently participating in other agri-environment schemes.

Applications are now closed and I’m delighted with the level of interest shown with approximately 10,800 applications submitted from 455 advisors. REAP will be funded from the technical assistance budget of the Rural Development Programme, subject to EU Commission approval of the 10th amendment. My officials are now in contact with the European Commission seeking their advice in relation to determining the number of applicants that may be permitted to be accepted into the project. I have also written to the European Commissioner for Agriculture directly on the matter.

Pending any developments with the Commission, a ranking and selection process will take place to decide the applications that are accepted. The details of the process are outlined in the terms and conditions. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by the Department in writing regarding their application for REAP.

REAP will provide a positive boost to farm incomes while driving environmental ambition. It is a real and tangible example of the partnership approach Government wants to take with farmers in addressing the climate and biodiversity challenges.