GLAS scheme rollover plans for 2021 have yet to be finalised and are still subject to European Commission approval with just weeks to go until the end of the year, the Irish Farmers Journal has learned

Some 36,000 farmers in GLAS I and II are relying on the scheme to be extended next year, and while Minister Charlie McConalogue has sought to reassure farmers, a Department source confirmed that details are still “up in the air”.

This week, Minister McConalogue announced that advance GLAS payments worth over €138m would be made to farmers two weeks ahead of schedule.

On the GLAS rollover, the minister was vague, simply stating that farmers would have the certainty of participating in a scheme next year “if they wish”.