The Department of Agriculture are now accepting applications for a derogation to use GLAS fallow land for fodder this year. The new measure had caused some confusion after the initial announcement.

Confusion

Minister Creed told the Irish Farmers Journal on Tuesday, 24 July that farmers could ask for a derogation to cut GLAS fallow land during the 1 March to 1 September closed period. "My Department is prepared to consider written requests for a derogation from the specifications for this action," he said at the time. However, when farmers made the request for a derogation they were told that the measure was not available yet.

Applications open

The Department are accepting applications now for the measure after the initial delay. In a reply sent to an advisor on Wednesday, the Department said that “written requests for a derogation from the specifications for this action should be submitted to the address below. A visit to the land affected may be required before a decision is made."

Requests to be sent to GLAS Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford or at glas@agriculture.gov.ie

Fodder production measure: eligibility details, crops and cut-off dates

Department accepting derogation applications for GLAS fallow land

Farmers can now apply for a derogation to use fallow land under the GLAS scheme for fodder after initial confusion.