The third tranche of GLAS (GLAS 3) is now open and will remain open for six weeks.
The five-year GLAS scheme which opened in February 2015 is set to cater for 50,000 farmers.
To date, a total of 38,000 participants have been approved into the GLAS scheme through tranches 1 and 2, while tranche 3 can cater for 12,000 participants.
Given the short time frame and the remaining capacity for participants, a GLAS Farm Planner can advise farmers of the options best suited to their needs.
A farmer wishing to join the scheme must apply to the Department of Agriculture and a GLAS planner can submit the application on behalf of the farmer.
Entry into GLAS is divided into three tiers:
Tier 1
Tier 1 farmers are those who have Priority Environmental Assets (PEA) on their farms e.g. Farmland habitats, Farmland birds, Commonages, Rare breeds, and High Status Water Area.
Applicants with PEA are guaranteed access to the scheme.
Tier 2
Tier 2 farmers are those who don’t have PEA but who are in a vulnerable water area they are also guaranteed access to the scheme.
Tier 3
Tier 3 farmers are those who don’t have a PEA or are not in a vulnerable water area, but can increase their chances of access to the scheme by picking an option such as:
- Minimum tillage.
- Low emission slurry spreading.
- Wild bird cover.
- Catch crops.
Changes between GLAS tranche 2 and GLAS tranche 3
The main changes between GLAS tranche 2 and GLAS tranche 3 are the addition of two actions to the bird measures (twite bird protection).
The Department in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has identified a small number of farmers that must undertake at least 0.25ha of twite C should they wish to join GLAS 3.
Meanwhile, the maximum area for wild bird cover is 3ha in tranche 3 and the GLAS actions of planting new hedgerows are traditional orchards remain suspended from tranche 2.
The maximum payments for GLAS tranche 3 remains the same at €5,000, and €7,000 for GLAS plus.
For further information contact GLAS Farm planners a nationwide GLAS Planning Agency on 01 6906555 or visit the GLAS Planners website to arrange an immediate consultation with a GLAS Farm Planner who can advise you of the options best suited to your needs.
