CREED CONFIRMS 2019 AREAS OF NATURAL CONSTRAINT IN CORK

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD has outlined details in relation to the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme for 2019 for Cork County.

A review of the designation process for the scheme has seen an increase in the number of Cork farmers included in the scheme for 2019.

“The ANC Scheme [which was previously referred to as the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Less Favoured Areas Scheme] has been a vital support for farmers in Ireland since the 1970s,” Minister Creed TD said in recent days.

“In 2019, EU Regulations require that all Member States change their approach to designating townlands that are eligible for support under the Scheme.

“This new approach is based on identifying townlands that are considered to be constrained by reference to a range of bio-physical criteria set out at EU level.”

The Minister then went on to comment, “The process of identifying eligible townlands under the new EU rules has been a protracted and complex process.

“I am aware of the importance of this Scheme to farmers across the county, and so I am today announcing details of the Cork townlands eligible for the scheme in order to provide assurance to farmers ahead of the application process next year.”

The Minister also confirmed that that the Department will be writing to relevant farmers shortly to outline the position with the ANC Scheme for 2019, and to provide details of the independent appeals process.

“It is important that farmers are clearly informed in relation to the 2019 ANC Scheme and that there is an independent process of appeal for farmers who wish to appeal the outcome of this process,” Minister Creed TD added.