The Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme money looks to be guaranteed for another year, as the reviewed maps are not expected to be ready until May 2018.

Speaking in the Dáil recently, in response to a query from Sinn Féin’s Martin Kenny, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said he envisages that the mapping process “would be completed in time for the 2018 Basic Payment Scheme”.

“It is 15 May this year, and I think it will be around the same date next year,” said the minister.

From 2018, soil moisture, low temperatures and sloping of land are among a range of criteria that will deter- mine what land is to be designated.

As a result of these new criteria, new maps of ANC areas are currently being drawn up by the Department of Agriculture.

Review postponed?

Last month the Irish Farmers Journal reported that, at the April council of EU agriculture ministers, Minister Creed raised the difficulties in meeting the “obligation for the designation of ANCs against a new set of biophysical parameters”.

He also backed a call by Austria to postpone the review to at least 2019 to allow EU countries adapt to the revised rules.

Minister Creed has said that there is no guarantee the extension will be granted. “The Commission is considering the request that was made and supported by a number of member states, including Ireland.”

He also said his Department remains committed to the Programme for Government in respect of additional payments in 2018 under the ANC scheme.

Meanwhile, the IFA and the INHFA are continuing their respective campaigns on securing extra funding for ANC.

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