The IFA has called for a strong environmental scheme to be put in place for upland areas which recognises the contribution hill farmers make in terms of protecting the environment, carbon mitigation and the provision of public goods.

Speaking at the national hill sheep forum in Wicklow, IFA national sheep chair Sean Dennehy said that a targeted direct payment for sheep must be part of the next CAP, with a substantial increase on the rate from the current level of €10 per ewe in the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

He said the IFA has proposed a targeted payment of €30 per ewe.

IFA national hill committee chair Flor McCarthy said the current GLAS is not rewarding the environmental good that hill farms provide.

The current maximum payment of €5,000 is too low and should be increased to €10,000 in the next CAP.

Farmers who have designated Natura land are not being properly compensated for restrictions and these high nature value areas must have a meaningful scheme in the next RDP.

McCarthy said the increase this year in ANC payments in hill areas to a maximum of €4,240 is welcome. However, decision to split the payment 85%:15% is disappointing. It sends a poor signal to farmers who desperately need these payments.