GLAS planners are struggling to cope with the volume of farmers interested in applying for GLAS III, with only four weeks left until the 15 December deadline for applications.

Minister Michael Creed confirmed that 12,000 places are available in this application window, bringing the total up to 50,000 participants in the agri-environmental scheme.

Fourteen thousand farmers applied for GLAS II last year, but that was with a one-week extension to the original deadline of 14 December. Only 11,500 of the applicants were successful, despite the fact that 13,000 places were allocated. Some 2,500 of the 2,700 Tier III applicants were not accepted into the scheme. Almost all Tier I and Tier II applicants were successful.

“In an ideal world, we would like a far longer application process,” said agri-adviser Laura Johnson, who is president of the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA). “We had hoped that GLAS III would be opened in October but we’ll have to work with what we have now.”

While Johnson said she can understand the Department’s approach, she said a longer application process would mean applications would be of better quality. IT issues in the Department are also slowing progress, she said.

“More money needs to be invested in the Department’s IT system as there are issues with applications bouncing back,” Johnson said.

GLAS+ for tillage

Tillage farmers currently participating in GLAS I and II now have the option to apply for GLAS+, and be eligible for an enhanced payment of up to €7,000. In order to qualify, they would have to switch in to GLAS III, and to opt for both min-till and catch crop options over a hectarage that will gain the higher payment level.