Fianna Fáil Agriculture Spokesperson Charlie McConalogue says he’s appalled by a €36m reduction in GLAS funding in 2017.
The data was contained in a Parliamentary Reply to Deputy McConalogue.
“The figures released by Minister Michael Creed make for grim reading for thousands of farmers across the country who have signed up for GLAS. Despite committing to an annual spend of €250m per year, once 50,000 farmers had joined, only €214m has been allocated for GLAS in 2017″, explained Deputy McConalogue.
“38,000 farmers have joined GLAS to date. However, the 14,000 farmers who have submitted applications under GLAS III will be very worried now that they won’t be able to access the scheme.
“I’m calling on the Minster to ensure that all farmers are facilitated into the scheme as there is sufficient funding available, considering €1.45bn has been allocated over this RDP window to 2020.
“Only two months ago, Fianna Fáil exposed how the current GLAS scheme is on track to leave farmers at a loss of some €378 million up until 2020 based on average payments and budget allocations to date.
“This is an appalling situation given the severe cash flow crisis facing farmers. This money must stay with farmers. Fianna Fáil will continue to campaign strongly and hold the Government to account on this”.
