The education requirement for the 2016 Young Farmers Scheme has changed since last year, according to Macra.
To comply with the scheme’s education requirements, young farmers are required to have commenced their agriculture education by the May 16 closing date.
Speaking after a recent Farmers’ Charter of Rights meeting held between Department officials and farm organisations, Macra na Feirme National President Seán Finan said this young farmer scheme education requirement is ‘unworkable and not practical’.
“This will limit the number of young farmers eligible to apply for the first time and is another example of unacceptable inconsistency in the implementation of young farmer policy,” he said.
In 2015, the education requirement to enter the Young Farmer Scheme was changed late last year and required young farmers to have commenced their agriculture education by December 31, 2015. This was facilitated by Teagasc.
Finan said he is calling on the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc to work together, to find the necessary resources and a workable solution which will allow young farmers enter the scheme.
“Macra is calling for young farmers who commence their agricultural education by the end of 2016 to be allowed enter the Young Farmer scheme,” he said.
Also Read: See details of 2016 Young Farmers SchemeAccording to the Department of Agriculture, applications under the Young Farmer Scheme must be submitted on or before May 16, 2016.
Applicants this year are also required to have submitted a valid Basic Payment Scheme Application to the Department by May 16, 2016.
Applications must be submitted online through agfood.ie. Therefore, applicants must be registered for online services (OLS) with the Department.