Inclusive of amendments of 30 September 2008, of 15 May 2009

2.1 Will the aid be exclusively granted to farmers and/or other land managers (Article 39(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005) who give agri-environmental commitments for a period between five and seven years?

2. 
   Will a shorter or a longer period be necessary for all or particular types of commitments?
   

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2. 
   Please confirm that no aid will be granted to compensate for agri-environmental commitments that do not go beyond the relevant mandatory standards established pursuant to Articles 4 and 5 of, and Annexes III and IV to, Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003⁸³ as well as minimum requirements for fertiliser and plant protection product use and other relevant mandatory requirements established by national legislation and identified in the rural development programme.
   

3.1 Please specify the maximum amount of aid to be granted based on the area of the holding to which agri-environmental commitments apply:

 for other land uses €376/ha (maximum payment of 450 €/ha)

 for local breeds in danger of being lost to farming €234/ha (maximum payment of 200 €/livestock unit).

This payment is justified on the basis that the breeds for which support is available show no market return. In addition to production cost, beneficiaries must register with a recognised breed society for which there is an annual registration fee and a fee is also incurred in respect of each animal registered. It is estimated that the total expenditure for this undertaking for the programming period 2006 to 2013 will not exceed €500,000.

 other? Riparian zones: Proposed payment €850/ha up to a max of 4 hectares.

The payment is justified on the basis that no agricultural production is permitted on the area as the objective is to create a riverbank environment that protects the breeding ground of specific aquatic species.

3.2 Is the support measure granted annually?

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3. 
   Is the amount of annual support calculated on the basis of:
   - income foregone,
   - additional costs resulting from the commitment given, and
   - the need to provide compensation for transaction costs
   

3.4 Is the reference level for calculating income foregone and additional cost resulting from the commitments given, the standards and requirements as mentioned above under point 2.3?

3.5 Are the payments made per unit of production?

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6. 
   Do you intend to give aid for transaction costs for the continuation of agri-environmental commitments already undertaken in the past?
   

All beneficiaries under the REPS must have a farm plan drawn up by a professional planner. A new plan must accompany an application for a new 5-year contract. While the objectives of the scheme remain constant the work schedule detailed in the individual farm plan varies.

3.8 Do you intend to give aid for the costs of non-productive investments linked to the achievements of agri-environmental commitments (non-productive investments being investments which should not lead to a net increase in farm value or profitability) ?
 yes  no

9. 
   If yes, which aid rate will be applied-75 per cent (max. 100 per cent)?
   

Teagasc carried out the independent verification of costings for the Natura 2000 and agri-environmental schemes. Teagasc is the Semi-State body with responsibility for providing agricultural research, advice and training in Ireland. In these roles it carries out a significant research programme in the areas of Agriculture, Rural Economics and Food to support the development of the agriculture and food industries and rural communities. It also supports the development needs of a high proportion of the farming community through its advisory and training services. Teagasc is functionally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which calculated the payments at issue here.

• 
  The National Farm Survey, completed annually to meet the needs of FADN and the national requirements of policy makers and those involved in the industry to have a comprehensive assessment of the financial and technical performance on Irish farms
  
• 
  FAPRI – This project provides detailed independent assessment of the impact of policy interventions on Irish (and European) agriculture.
  

The Teagasc Advisory service has considerable experience in supporting farmers in their decisions through the provision of detailed financial assessment and advice. It also produces detailed financial guidelines on an annual basis for farmers and those working on their behalf.

The assessment of costs was carried out by the Assistant Director of Advisory Services, Strategy and Planning. He holds the following qualifications:

B.Agr.Sc (Economics)

M.Agr.Sc

He has over 20 years experience working in Teagasc in a variety of specialist roles prior to the current position including Farm Management, Systems Development and Public Management Reform.
Examination of Calculations

In carrying out this assessment, the reviewer examined the documentation provided and, where necessary, sought clarification from responsible officials in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the measures involved. He also sought and received detailed background costings on the agri-environment measure so as to have a better understanding of the specific actions specified under the measure and the economic justification of the proposed payments. He discussed and sought clarification on many of the issues with research and advisory colleagues with specific expertise in the enterprises/issues so as to arrive at a conclusion as to the accuracy and adequacy of the calculations involved.

Irelands Rural Development Programme 2007—2013