Papers Today

// Doubling of stocking rate decried

The Beara-based environmental group Friends of the Irish Environment has written to the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney asking him to reconsider the new requirements for hill farmers to double their stocking rates to qualify for grant payments. The group has cited a 2002 judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland for over grazing.
Changes recently announced to the disadvantaged Area Scheme include a requirement for farmers to double their stocking rate from 0.15 to 0.30 LU/ha, or from one sheep to two per hectare.

 Farmers are also required to hold this stock for six months rather than the previous three months.
In a statement, the group said: "The increases in stocking rates are entirely contrary to good environmental practices and appear to be a return to high stocking rates to qualify for grant payments. Basing payments on stocking rates rather than areas farmed is biased against the smaller less intensive farmer who protects the environment."
Southern Star, January 21, 2012, Beara Notes