As of 29 December, there were still 1,300 nutrient management plans (NMPs) yet to be submitted by GLAS I and II farmers. The terms and conditions of the scheme state that farmers who did not have an NMP submitted by 31 December would face termination from the scheme.

In response to a query from the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department stated that it “will carry out an assessment of NMPs prepared and submitted over the coming days. A significant number of NMPs have been submitted over the Christmas and new year period and any submitted on 2 January would also fall into this category. The submission of the NMP is necessary for the release of payment and the Department has used every possible means to increase awareness of this requirement.”

Farmers who have not yet submitted their NMPs should do so without delay so that funds can be released.

GLAS III farmers should also begin planning ahead to ensure that they have their own NMP completed by 31 March 2018 so that they do not encounter the same issues that both GLAS I and II farmers have encountered.

26% of CMPs yet to be submitted

The original deadline to have commonage management plans (CMPs) submitted was 31 October 2017. However, as of 29 December 2017, there were still 1,010 CMPs yet to be submitted. This is a substantial 26% of all CMPs, with just over 3,800 commonages declared for GLAS, farmed by a total of 9,000 farmers. This is a major issue holding up payment of 85% of advance payments to farmers.

The Department is currently assessing its position in relation to CMPs, but again farmers and advisers are encouraged to submit these as soon as possible to ensure advance payments can be made.