In a statement issued from the meeting of the COPA European umbrella farming organisation, IFA rural development chair Joe Brady said that the allocation of Ireland's €25m additional ANC funding is "likely to be approved by the European Commission shortly".

The Department of Agriculture decided in February to target this year's budget increase towards hill farmers, with the first hectares of mountain-type land receiving the largest increase of over €25/ha. Other categories are to receive a smaller boost.

The corresponding amendment to Ireland's Rural Development Programme is awaiting European Commission clearance.

New map

As we await a new map of areas eligible to ANC based on Ireland's implementation of new EU natural handicap criteria, Brady said flexibility exists under the criteria to protect existing areas and to devise a payment system that relates to the various land types.

There has been no indication yet from the Department whether all 95,000 farmers currently participating in the scheme will remain eligible.

The IFA has also called for a further increase to Ireland's ANC budget in the next CAP after 2020, from €225m to €300m annually.

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EU farm organisations are gathered in Brussels this Monday to discuss the review of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme in their respective countries.