Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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378. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which a farmer (details supplied) can access areas of natural constraints scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23096/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The aim of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme is to provide support to farmers who farm land in areas eligible for the support, following the reclassification of land in the jurisdiction of Ireland undertaken in 2019. These payments are a valuable source of income support for farmers recognising the challenges for those situated in areas of natural and other specific constraints.

Support is provided based on the following categories of land:

Category 1 land: The system of farming prevalent in Category 1 is characterised by extensive farming practices focused on livestock management on higher ground.

Category 2 land: The system of farming prevalent in Category 2 is characterised by extensive livestock grazing practices on lower ground.

Category 3 land: The system of farming prevalent in Category 3 is less extensive in nature and characterised by grazing livestock enterprises.

Offshore island land: Island holdings are generally small and fragmented where the potential for intensification is limited and farming is economically marginal, at best. Farming on the off-shore islands off Ireland is in continuous decline.

To receive support under the ANC scheme, applicants must:

• Hold ANC designated land in accordance with the provisions of Article 32 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, as provided for under Article 71 of Regulation (EU) No 2021/2115. A list of townlands currently eligible for the scheme and a map of the ANC townlands can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/areas-of-natural-constraints/#list-of-anc-eligible-townlands-by-county.
• Meet the definition of an ‘active farmer’.
• Submit a valid 2025 BISS and other areas-based schemes application declaring the ANC land located in the jurisdiction of Ireland.
• Meet the minimum stocking requirement of 0.10 livestock units per forage hectare.