Extension to environment schemes
Editorial Department • Published 19 Jan 2012 13:00
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Agri-environment schemes are to continue beyond 2013 when many of them would have ended, according to the Agriculture Minister, Michelle O'Neill.
She confirmed her plans to extend agri-environment scheme agreements that have not yet ended and are due to terminate before January 2013.
This relates to Countryside Management Scheme (CMS) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme agreements that were signed in 2002.
Minister O'Neill explained: "These older agri-environment scheme agreements were signed for 10 years, but a recent change in scheme legislation means that I am able to extend those agreements that have an end date on or before December 31 2012. Over 1,000 scheme agreements, of the 11,000 currently in operation, may be extended for a period of between six and 18 months - up to July 2013.
"I fully appreciate the contribution that scheme participants make to manage the countryside for the benefit of the environment and I am pleased that this work will continue beyond the normal date of agreement termination."
The Minister however cautioned that she that she has become very concerned at the results of the inspections carried out on the new Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) 2010 claims. She said: "My Department has noted that an alarming number (just under 50%) of scheme participants who were subjected to statutory inspection had non-compliances or over-declarations on their claims. The additional work that this created for my Department has had a number of implications. Firstly the numbers of inspections had to be increased, delaying the payments on these claims, and a small number have still not been paid. Secondly, I have had to delay processing 1,300 new applications to NICMS which will now start in January 2013 instead of January 2012. Thirdly, the inspections for the 2011 claims will not commence until next month.
"If farmers fail to comply with the requirements of NICMS it places the entire scheme in jeopardy. It is essential that compliance with scheme requirements must improve significantly throughout the 2011 inspection campaign, otherwise farmers who fail to rectify any non-compliance identified in 2010 face higher penalties on their 2011 claim in line with EU legislation. Furthermore, if the amount of penalties imposed cannot be contained to acceptable levels, DARD may have no other option but to close the scheme in order to avoid a risk of future disallowance by the EU.
"It is extremely important that all Scheme participants follow the requirements of their agreements. This includes those new to NICMS, those who are already in NICMS and those who have a CMS or ESA Scheme agreement. Therefore DARD will be providing information about agri-environment schemes that will help all participants comply with scheme requirements. This information includes a series of press articles, training events and information on the DARD website. I encourage all scheme participants to seek out the information that is relevant to them, and to make sure that they are meeting the requirements of their own agreement. If you are in any doubt you should check the terms of your agreement and your information booklet for more details."
For further information on these arrangements please contact your local DARD office or visit http://www.dardni.gov.uk/ruralni/CountrysideManagement
Ulster Farmers' Union President, John Thompson said; "While we are disappointed that the number of new applicants that will be accepted in the NICMS will not be as high as previously anticipated, we recognise the current administrative situation in relation to the agri-environment schemes and therefore the move to extend existing agreements is very positive."
John Thompson concluded; "Overall, the Minister's plans to extend existing agreements shows recognition of the valuable contribution which farmers make in managing the countryside and we are also pleased that the funding allocated to the schemes will be fully used."
The RSPB has welcomed the Agriculture Minister's announcement that agri-environment schemes (AES) will be extended for a period of between six and 18 months.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 19 Jan 12
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