950 applications have been made to the National Reserve this year. Of the 950 applicants, 190 were submitted using a temporary reference number.

As soon as a herd number is allocated to these applicants, the National Reserve application submitted will become valid for processing.

Applications for this year’s National Reserve were submitted by May 15 – the same closing date as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

In the case that an application is successful, the applicant will receive an allocation of entitlements at the National Reserve national average. Where entitlements are below the national average, they will be topped up to the national average value.

In February, AgriLand reported that the fund for 2018 would be in the region of €3.5 million. Under the scheme, priority will be given to young farmers and new entrants to farming who fulfill specific criteria.