Menu
09/04/2014
GAEC Consultation Launched
A public consultation on the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) standards has been launched today by Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill.
The standards, which are due to come into effect from 1 January 2015, farmers receiving direct agricultural support payments from the EU will be required to maintain their land in GAEC and comply with of a number of existing European laws (known as the Statutory Management Requirements).
Minister O'Neill said: "As part of the CAP Reform process the European Commission has decided to amend the framework against which we must develop our GAEC requirements.
"Whilst the regulations have not changed significantly they afford member states flexibility in setting requirements for GAEC. This allows us to review the implementation of these requirements to ensure they are fit for purpose as well as meet our EU obligations.
"The review will have implications for the environment and those intending to claim direct agricultural support payments from 2015 onwards. This consultation seeks to shape the development of a revised set of GAEC requirements that is clear to farmers, can be controlled effectively and can achieve the aim of protecting the environment.
"I would, therefore, encourage all those with an interest to read the consultation document and to forward their views on the proposed policy options by 30 May 2014."
The consultation document is on the DARD website.
(MH/JP)
The standards, which are due to come into effect from 1 January 2015, farmers receiving direct agricultural support payments from the EU will be required to maintain their land in GAEC and comply with of a number of existing European laws (known as the Statutory Management Requirements).
Minister O'Neill said: "As part of the CAP Reform process the European Commission has decided to amend the framework against which we must develop our GAEC requirements.
"Whilst the regulations have not changed significantly they afford member states flexibility in setting requirements for GAEC. This allows us to review the implementation of these requirements to ensure they are fit for purpose as well as meet our EU obligations.
"The review will have implications for the environment and those intending to claim direct agricultural support payments from 2015 onwards. This consultation seeks to shape the development of a revised set of GAEC requirements that is clear to farmers, can be controlled effectively and can achieve the aim of protecting the environment.
"I would, therefore, encourage all those with an interest to read the consultation document and to forward their views on the proposed policy options by 30 May 2014."
The consultation document is on the DARD website.
(MH/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2024
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
06 March 2024
New £9m Fund For New All-Island Bioeconomy Initiative
A new £9 million initiative has been announced to support the development of the all-island bioeconomy in the agriculture and marine sectors across Ireland.
New £9m Fund For New All-Island Bioeconomy Initiative
A new £9 million initiative has been announced to support the development of the all-island bioeconomy in the agriculture and marine sectors across Ireland.
04 March 2024
New Report Highlights Current State Of NI Rivers
No single stretch of river in Northern Ireland is is "good overall health", this was the message of the Rivers Trust, in its latest 'State Of Our Rivers Report'.
New Report Highlights Current State Of NI Rivers
No single stretch of river in Northern Ireland is is "good overall health", this was the message of the Rivers Trust, in its latest 'State Of Our Rivers Report'.
04 March 2024
Eco Heroes Celebrated At Community Awards
Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland's people-powered campaign dedicated to promoting civic pride and fostering environmental stewardship, has announced the recipients of its 2024 Community Awards.
Eco Heroes Celebrated At Community Awards
Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland's people-powered campaign dedicated to promoting civic pride and fostering environmental stewardship, has announced the recipients of its 2024 Community Awards.
20 February 2024
Agriculture Minister Visits Innovative Horticulture Farm
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has visited an innovation horticulture farm outside Newtownards, to see first hand how the business operates. Minister Muir met with producer and supplier, Roy Lyttle, his wife Sheila and their son Alexander.
Agriculture Minister Visits Innovative Horticulture Farm
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has visited an innovation horticulture farm outside Newtownards, to see first hand how the business operates. Minister Muir met with producer and supplier, Roy Lyttle, his wife Sheila and their son Alexander.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
