Concerns over the commonage management plans in the new GLAS scheme are being reviewed by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney in line with what has to be done to receive GLAS approval at EU level.

In his answer to a question posed by TD Pearse Doherty, Minister Coveney said that following a meeting with farmers last week, he is reviewing their submission "in the context of the threshold for environmental action which must be demonstrated in order to receive GLAS approval at EU level".

Coveney said in response to the reservations expressed by farmers representatives, he revised the minimum participation rate down from 80% to 50%. He said: "I believe that 50% participation is the minimum required to achieve the best agri-environmental results for the commonages."

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The Minister said he the 50% rate is "an achievable target" and farmers who are having difficulty reaching the 50% can approach the Commonage Implementation Committee for advice and assistance.