Specific Details
Supports for Farmers Operating on Designated Land
Intended results
To extend an invitation to the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity to attend and address the next IFA Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Project Team meeting
To emphasise that this will be a great opportunity to engage with representatives from Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and will give a better understanding of some of the challenges and concerns of farmers operating on designated lands.
To ask the Minister to intervene and ensure continuation of comparable financial supports for new and existing participants of the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS), which is due to end in 2025. In a time of increased geopolitical uncertainty, alongside increased environmental ambition, its continuation and financial security, predominantly involving low-income farm families, is essential.
To highlight that the economic viability and value of the c.35,000 farms on designated lands must be better protected. Their economic interests and security are being undermined due to the severe restrictions imposed on them, compounded by the less-than adequate administrative and governance systems.
That there are several farmers waiting years for a decision from the government on applications submitted regarding Actions Requiring Consent (ARCs). This is unacceptable. Farmers cannot be left in limbo and should not have to suffer economic disadvantage.
That, in consultation with IFA, a full review of the internal operating dynamic surrounding designations, compensation and applications for ARC's is required because the existing is not fit for purpose. Designations should be lifted where appropriate.
That, an independent arbitration scheme should be introduced to determine the loss of value or impact on business, with a budget in place to cover arbitration costs. Where a farmer wishes to carry out an independent ecological survey, a budget from the national exchequer must be in place to cover the costs associated with designation compliance and administration costs. This was previously agreed in 1997.
That no further restrictions should apply to lands currently designated. Instead, increased support (advisory, financial etc.) should be provided, and agricultural activity should be allowed to continue.
•That an appropriate compensation scheme, funded independent of CAP, is required to ensure farmers currently affected by designation are properly compensated for the farming restrictions placed on them and to account for loss of earnings and devaluation of land. Compensation should be permanent and in place for as long as the designation is in place.
A ‘no compensation, no designation' policy should apply. Agreements made previously regarding permanent compensation for designation have not been upheld. This must be rectified in the first instance, and the same mistake must be avoided at all costs.
That meaningful consultation and engagement with farmers is required prior to the imposition of any designation, with a mechanism provided for farmers wishing to appeal the proposed designation. The abrupt imposition, without any meaningful Government/stakeholder engagement, of designations on farmland to date has been unacceptable.
That aligned, there exists considerable confusion amongst farmers as to the key role/responsibility of key stakeholders. The establishment of a ‘one-stop shop' would be extremely beneficial, minimising unnecessary administrative delays and giving farmers / landowners greater confidence in the system. Applications would be made to ONE body, with other relevant bodies feeding into it. A comprehensive review of existing notifiable actions is also required, with a view of minimising where possible.
That the reintroduction of the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme is a positive development, however, greater funding is needed to increase awareness and expand the number of farm plans on the scheme, with increased payment rates to reflect the additional costs and burden on farmers whose land is designated and flexibility provided that it can operate alongside other agri-environmental schemes where additional land is held.
An Enhanced Farm Plan Scheme must be funded through the National Exchequer and all farmers with designations who apply for the scheme must be catered for.
That, in consultation with IFA and following the original Farm Plan scheme construct, an independent body should be set up or engaged with regard to any review/revised Farm Plan Scheme costings and payments.
That designated lands cannot disproportionately carry the burden of policy compliance for the Nature Restoration Law.
That a new ‘Farming for Habitat and Farming for Species' payment needs to be introduced to maximise environmental gain and compensate farmers who suffered a loss in income when EIP projects such as the Hen Harrier, Pearl Mussel, Burren Schemes end. Hill / SAC areas should also qualify for the same.
Christopher O'Sullivan
Minister of State (Department of Housing, Planning,Community and Local Government)