Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has sought clearance from Brussels to extend the over-subscribed REAP pilot to allow thousands more farmers in, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.

Some 10,700 farmers applied for just 2,000 spaces in the agri-environmental pilot.

Farmers who take up low-input permanent pasture and multi-species grass swards can receive up to a maximum payment of €12,600 over two years.

The minister has written to European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski for a much-needed extension, it is understood.

A spokesperson for the minister declined to comment on the letter, but said the minister was heartened to see such interest in REAP and “all avenues are being explored” for those who applied.