Tillage farmers may qualify for an extra €2,000 GLAS payment. In a much needed boost to the tillage sector, it is emerging that an application for an amendment to Ireland’s agri-environmental plan has been sent to the European Commission.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the proposal is receiving serious consideration in Brussels.

Under the proposal, farmers who undertake both min-til and catch crop options under GLAS would be eligible for the higher payment of €7,000, provided they had enough land under both measures.

In order to qualify for an enhanced payment, farmers would have to undertake both min-til and catch crop actions. The maximum area allowed currently is 32ha for green cover and 10ha for min-til (4ha as a general action). Farmers using catch crops to fulfil their obligations under the three-crop rule cannot recieve a payment under GLAS for green cover.

Min-til is paid at €40/ha/year, and catch crops at €155/ha/year, so both measures on 36ha would trigger the maximum payment. The same area needs to be maintained in min-til for the entire duration of the GLAS plan. The green cover area can be rotated through the farm year-to-year, but must be on land parcels within the farmer’s basic payment application.