The Results-Based Environmental-Agri Pilot Project (REAP) will close for applications on Monday (May 10).
The scheme opened for applications on April 21. The scheme is designed to pilot measures for possible inclusion later, under the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) measures for Ireland from 2023 onwards.
Farmers can expect to receive an average annual payment of up to €4,700 under REAP, with a maximum payment of €6,900 available.
Maximum payment is dependent on a farmer complying with all the detailed criteria as outlined in the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Agricultural advisors will make the applications on the farmer’s behalf.
Farmers will receive a flat participation payment of €1,200. After that, there will be a results-based environmental payment that will be linked to an assessment.
April 23, 2021 11:40 am
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has said that the new Results-Based Environmental Agri Pilot Project (REAP) should not be used as the template for a new agri-environment scheme after 2023.
REAP is a pilot project which the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine envisages as a ‘trial run’ before a new and more expansive scheme – a replacement of the Green, Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) – is set up when the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) comes into effect in 2023.
However, the reaction to REAP by farm organisation has been mixed so far, with the categories of farmers being included – and excluded – coming in for criticism.
April 21, 2021 6:14 pm
The opening of the Results-Based Environmental-Agri Pilot Project (REAP) has been welcomed by the association representing independent agricultural consultants.
REAP will put a strong emphasis on consultants and advisors, who will make applications on a farmer’s behalf and assess farmer actions under the scheme.
Following the announcement today (Wednesday, April 21) that the scheme is now open for applications, the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA) has given it a broad welcome.
Tom Canning, the association’s president, said earlier: “We have been engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and their officials on behalf of members over the past number of months on the details of this new project.
April 19, 2021 11:39 am
The new Results-based Environmental Agri Pilot Project (REAP) scheme has been described as a “step in the right direction” by Macra na Feirme.
However, the young farmers’ organisation maintained that elements of the pilot scheme “must be reconsidered”.
Details of the scheme came to light last week following meetings between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and farm organisation. The reaction to the pilot from farm leaders has been largely mixed so far.
Macra welcomed the inclusion of increased hectare allowances for partnerships, as this “will result in increased potential for payments as an important opportunity for young farmers to stake their claim environmentally”.