Farmer schemes & payments

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)

• Overview of REPS
• REPS 4
• Past Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)
• REPS circulars
• REPS courses
• REPS factsheets
• REPS Extensive Farming Systems Documents
• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
• REPS Forms

Contact Us

• info@agriculture.gov.ie
• Lo-call 1890 200 510 or call us on 01 607 2000
• Drop in: Local Offices
• Give: Feedback

2020 Strategy

• Click here for further information

Swine Flu

• Click here for key facts

Department Notices

• Landscape Features

• Bleeding Syndrome in young calves of undetermined cause

• Supplier Payment Report (Government Decision No. S29296)

• About Us
• Press
• Publications
• Legislation
• Tenders
• Gaeilge
• Forms & Downloads
• agfood.ie

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) Overview

REPS (Rural Environment Protection Scheme), is a Scheme designed to reward Farmers for carrying our their farming activities in an environmentally friendly manner and to bring about environmental improvement on existing farms. The objectives of the Scheme are to:

• Establish farming practices and production methods which reflect the increasing concern for conservation, landscape protection and wider environmental problems;
• Protect wildlife habitats and endangered species of flora and fauna;
• Produce quality food in an extensive and environmentally friendly manner.

How much money will a farmer receive?

• REPS annual payment of €200 per hectare for the first 20 hectares, €175 per hectare for the next 20 hectares, €70 per hectare for the next 15 hectares and €10 per hectare for the remaining hectares.
• REPS annual payment of €242 per hectare for eligible Commonage land, Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas up to a maximum of 40 hectares. €24 per hectare is payable per hectare for areas above 40 hectares and under 80 hectares, €18 euro per hectare for areas above 80 and under 120 hectares and €5 per hectare for areas over 120 hectares.
• Additional payments may be made for participating in Supplementary Measures such as Organic Farming, LINNET, Rare Breeds, Traditional Orchards, Riparian setaside and Corncrake. Full details of the Supplementary Measures are available in The Farmer Handbook (pdf 1,952Kb)

Participants in REPS must

• Carry out their farming activities for a five year period in accordance with an agri-environmental plan prepared in accordance with the Scheme document and agri-environmental specification.
• Have a plan, specific to their own farm, prepared by a Planning Agency approved by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
• Comply with eleven basic measures as follows:
  • follow a farm nutrient management plan prepared for the total area of the farm;
  • adopt an appropriate grassland management plan for the total area of the farm;
  • protect and maintain all watercourses and wells;
  • retain wildlife habitats;
  • maintain farm and field boundaries;
  • cease using herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers in and around hedgerows, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, except with the consent of the Minister;
  • protect features of historical and/or archaeological interest;
  • maintain and improve the visual appearance of the farm and farmyard
  • produce tillage crops: without burning straw or stubble; leaving a specified field margin uncultivated where no nutrients or sprays are applied;
  • become familiar with environmentally friendly farming practice,
  • prepare, monitor and update agri-environmental plan and keep such farm and environmental records as may be prescribed by the Minister.

How does a farmer apply to join REPS?

A farmer may apply to join REPS by submitting an application form and accompanying farm agri-environmental plan to the local Agricultural and Environment Structures Office (AES).

How does a farmer have an agri-environment plan prepared?

The Department of Agriculture and Food have approved a number of Planners to prepare plans. A list of approved Planners is available from local AES Offices and on the Departments WEB site. The farmer may select a planner of his/her choice.

To ensure that your application is dealt with in a speedy manner you should:

• Become fully familiar with the terms and conditions of REPS 3 before filling out application form
• Complete all forms carefully, accurately and legibly
• Provide accurate and comprehensive information
• Provide all necessary supporting documentation
• Check that all applications are fully complete and signed before submission
• Ensure applications are submitted to arrive in sufficient time i.e. before closing date
• Obtain proof of posting

Some Facts about REPS in Ireland

From 1994 - 1999 (REPS 1)

• 45,500 farmers participated in REPS 1
• Approximately 33% of the utilisable agricultural area is being farmed under REPS guidelines;
• Over €1.04 billion has been paid to farmers in REPS 1 (to June 05).

From 2000 - 2006 (REPS 2)

• 24,576 participating in REPS 2 (June 2005)
• 19,907 participating in REPS 3 (June 05)
• Over €521 million has been paid to farmers in REPS 2 (to June 05).
• Over €129 million has been paid to farmers in REPS 3 (to June 05).
• the number of REPS farmers is to grow to in excess of 50,000 by the end of 2005;

REPS is co-financed 75% by the EU and 25% by the Irish Exchequer.

Where can you get further information about REPS?

Further information regarding REPS may be obtained from your local AES Office or by contacting REPS Section, Department of Agriculture and Food, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford. Telephone 053 63400 or Lo-call 1890 200 509.

Contacts