Rewetting extension

The Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett, has announced an extension to the closing date for an open call for a new, locally-led rewetting scheme on farmed peatlands.

The scheme was announced in August under the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Programme, using the European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP) model. The current closing date of the 23 October 2020 has been extended by two weeks and applications will now be accepted up to 5pm on 6 November 2020 to EIP@agriculture.gov.ie.

Overdue census forms

Farmers have been reminded to complete and return their census of agriculture forms to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the deadline has now passed.

More than 90,000 farmers have already completed and returned their forms. Those who are yet to complete the census will be receiving a second reminder letter and replacement form this week.

The CSO said answering the census should only take a few minutes, as it has been reduced to four pages.

The forms can be returned in a provided freepost envelope or can be filled out online. Those requiring assistance or those with any queries should call 1890 924 990.

Young Farmers webinar

After a successful first outing, the Department of Agriculture has arranged another webinar on the Young Farmers Scheme on Thursday 22 October at 8pm. The webinar is aimed at applicants and will cover key scheme requirements, including delivering useful tips on passing the inspection stage. Interested applicants should register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8504905370194743823

€1m support for agri-consultants

Minister Charlie McConalogue has outlined further details from Budget 2021, including €1m funding for the support and continued professional development of agricultural consultants.

McConalogue highlighted the importance of having a well-functioning advisory and consultancy service capable of delivering high-quality professional advice in light of a range of new initiatives, such as the programme of farmer training on health and safety, agri-environment measures such as biodiversity training for farmers and on-farm biodiversity studies and new supports for the tillage sector.

The minister said his Department will shortly be consulting with the relevant stakeholders regarding the design and delivery of the training.