Farm payments glossary: GLAS 21 October 2015 Free

GLAS

What is it?

GLAS is the new agri-environment scheme, and is part of the €4bn Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. It ties in with the green vision for Irish agriculture as contained in Food Harvest 2020 and as promoted by Bord Bia in the Origin Green campaign.

When was it launched and what was the closing date?

GLAS was launched on 23 February 2015 and the closing date for the first tranche of applications was 26 May 2015.

What has it replaced?

As the new agri-environment scheme, GLAS replaced the Agri-Environment Option Scheme (AEOS), which was launched in 2010 and was itself a replacement of the Rural and Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS).

When will farmers know if they have been accepted into the scheme and how much payment can successful applicants expect?

The almost 27,000 farmers who applied for GLAS in May will find out if they have been accepted in early October after final checks on their applications have been carried out. Eligible farmers will be notified in writing of their acceptance to the scheme. The average payment for these farmers is expected to be between €4,400 and €4,800, with a maximum payment of €5,000. The good news is that payments for the three months the scheme will operate in 2015 look set to average from €800 to €1,000 and are due to start in mid-December.

There is an additional €2,000 for those in GLAS+. GLAS+ is extended to all farms with a priority environmental assist, including the hen harrier. All such farmers will automatically receive up to €7,000 a year, depending on the area of land they have to manage.

Is there another chance to apply for the scheme?

Yes, another two tranches are expected to be announced. The second is due to open for applications on 12 October, with a start date of 1 January 2016. With places for 50,000 farmers promised over the lifetime of GLAS, a third tranche is expected to be opened around June next, to begin on 1 January 2017.

Next week: BPS