R.E.P.S

  • Through the introduction of the F.E.P.S scheme, Forestry and R.E.P.S are now compatible.
  • There is no penalty for diverting land from R.E.P.S into forestry.

R.E.P.S 4 Payment Rates

Farm Size

Rate/Ha

F.E.P.S Payments

Up to 20 Ha

234/Ha

200/Ha

20 – 40 Ha

205/Ha

200/Ha

40 – 55 Ha

82/Ha

82/Ha

55 Ha +

10/Ha

12/Ha
  • The F.E.P.S payments are Tax-Free whereas the R.E.P.S payments are taxable
  • The F.E.P.S payments are in addition to the afforestation premium which is on average 500/Ha
  • The option of availing of forestry premiums on land that is attracting small R.E.P.S payments should be considered.
  • The option of entering Organic R.E.P.S should be considered. This is a supplementary payment to the standard R.E.P.S payment.
Examples of other farm schemes in operation can be found here

Organic R.E.P.S payment rates

Area

Status

Euro/Ha

Up to 55 ha

In conversion (first 2 years)

€212

55 ha +

In conversion

€30

Up to 55 ha

Organic

€106

55 ha +

Organic

€15

All landowners should consider R.E.P.S with the Organic option, Afforestation and F.E.P.S. on their farms to maximize total direct payments.

Area Based Compensatory Allowance.

  • Maximum payment on 45 Hectares
  • Payment rates
    • 96/ha in severely disadvantaged areas
    • 82/ha in less severely disadvantaged areas
    • 109.71/ha on first 10 ha in mountain type grazing areas, with 96/ha on the remainder
This payment should be taken into account when preparing the overall farm plan.

Single Farm Payment

  • Landowners can plant up to 50% of their farm and retain 100% of their single farm payment. This ensures compatibility with forestry.

Early Retirement Scheme

  • Applicant must be between his/her 55th and 66th birthday and must have an eligible transferee
  • Approved transferor will be paid 9300 per annum for the first 5 ha plus 300/ha of agricultural land transferred up to a maximum of 15,000 per annum

Area of farm transferred (Hectares)

Pension (Euro)

5

9,300

10

10,800

12

11,400

16

12,600

20

13,800

24

15,000
  • Maximum payment on 24 hectares (59 acres)
  • The option of planting land in excess of this threshold should be examined by all farmers considering retirement before entering the scheme
  • Forestry is also an option for the families of people exiting the Early Retirement Scheme

Examples of other farm schemes in operation can be found here