The IFA has launched a large campaign to protect Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) payments.
The importance of this payment cannot be underestimated. From the times of headage through the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, up to the present day, the ANC delivers an early cashflow boost for farmers. Farmers did not have to jump through hoops in order to receive the payment either.
The pressure is on the Depart- ment of Agriculture to deliver for farmers.
Not holding on to the current levels of farms in the ANC will be seen as a failure by both the Minister for Agriculture and his Department.