What is the linear cut?
Earlier this year, the Department announced that the National Reserve would be funded through a "linear cut" to the Basic Payment Scheme and will have €5m in funding.
Who can apply?
The National Reserve will provide entitlements for two categories of farmers by priority:
It is unlikely that any funds will remain for farmers outside these two categories.
Applicants under either category must have an off-farm income of less than €40,000 in either 2015 or 2016. They must also have completed a Level 6 agricultural education course (Green Cert or equivalent).
Applicants are also required to be a holder of a registered herd number in order to qualify for the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme.
What are the maximum entitlements?
The detailed terms and conditions will only be known in March, but if the rules of the 2015 National Reserve are to go by, the maximum area eligible for entitlements from the National Reserve is likely to be 90ha.
The value of entitlements obtained from the National Reserve is set at the national average, which is €184/ha. Applicants who already hold entitlements with a lower value will get a top-up from the National Reserve to bring them up to the national average.
How do I apply?
Applications for the National Reserve and Young Farmer Scheme must be submitted online, on or before the 15 May.
Applications can be submitted here.
Macra na Feirme takes ‘full credit’ for 2017 National Reserve