More than three quarters of applicants to the latest tranche of the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) have been rejected.

Of the 966 applications that were received in the fourth tranche of EFS higher level this spring, only 234 have received letters of offer from DAERA.

The successful applications all involved land that had EU or national designation, such as RAMSAR, SAC or ASSI. The 734 applications that were unsuccessful were mainly land classified as NI priority habitat.

ADVERTISEMENT

Around 20 unsuccessful applicants will receive letters of offer for the group level of EFS

“This land is considered to be of environmental value but is not currently designated and has a lower priority in terms of the business case objectives of EFS,” a briefing paper prepared by DAERA officials reads.

The document, which was sent to Stormont’s agriculture committee, also states that around 20 unsuccessful applicants will receive letters of offer for the group level of EFS. This part of the scheme aims to co-ordinate work by farmers in specific areas, such as river catchments or commonages.

Reduced inspections

Meanwhile, the number of inspections under EFS is to be reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. DAERA has confirmed that 5% of applicants will be inspected during 2020, compared to 10% in previous years.

It follows reduced inspection rates in other schemes, with Basic Payment checks changing from 3% to 1% and Greening inspections reducing from 5% to 3%.