The IFA is calling for an early conclusion to the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) appeals process.

IFA rural development chair Joe Brady said the process has been ongoing for nine months, with 510 herd owners lodging appeals.

Following a review of ANC areas in 2018, 4,000 additional farmers become eligible for payments, with some 750 becoming excluded from the scheme.

“They [the 750 landowners excluded from ANC] will get reducing payments of 85% in 2019 and 40% in 2020, and will be excluded altogether in 2021,” the IFA said.

“The IFA is insisting that these farmers, along with those who were never in and are applying to get in, are given every opportunity to qualify for full ANC status in future.”

“IFA will be pressing for an increase of an additional €50m for ANC to bring the total annual funding to €300m. This would mean a 20% increase in payment rates.”

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