Name and address with the editor

DEAR SIR: I am writing to agree with Michael Fleming and Gerald Sheehan in their letters of the last two weeks in relation to the clawback of forestry premiums from farmers as a result of genuine errors uncovered when the maps were digitised.

In 2013, my entire Single Farm Payment, entire REPS payment and entire Disadvantaged Area Payment plus two full years of forestry premium were taken, without my permission or without my knowledge, by the Forest Service.

As a full-time drystock farmer, this amounted to over 100% of my income for 2013 and included the full amount that was overpaid to the forestry company as well as full forest premium repayments for 15 years plus interest at 3% on the money owed.

I think it is disgraceful that farmers who entered into a contract in good faith with the forest service should be treated in this manner.