FARMERS in the midlands and west are opting in large numbers to join the EU's Rural Environment Protection Scheme and have already received up to £100 million in grants.
A study of the profile of those joining the scheme, which involves farming in an environmentally sensitive way, has found that the highest uptake for the scheme is in the small farm, non dairying areas of the midlands and west.
The study, by Tony Leavy and Brian Coulter of Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, showed that over 23,000 farmers have agreed to take part in the scheme, which pays a maximum of £5,000 a year for five years.
The scheme, which was part of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, was introduced in 1994 but it was some time before farmers decided to take part in it.
By January, 1996, 11,000 farmers had opted to join the scheme but that figure had more than doubled to 23,000 by January, 1997. Only a small number of areas in the east and south have not applied for membership.
The researchers found that two main groups of farmers find it difficult to join the scheme, which involves drawing up an agreement with a planner to run the farm in an environmentally sensitive manner for five years.
The report found that small dry stock farmers had found it difficult to get involved because of the capital cost of complying with the conditions of the scheme.
At the other end of the spectrum, intensive dairy farmers whose systems mean they are unable to meet the nutrient limits specified by the scheme, also are not taking part.
A survey of Teagasc advisers involved in the scheme showed that over 90 per cent were enthusiastic about their role but a significant minority, 39 per cent, felt there was a conflict with their traditional role, according to a report in Today's Farm magazine.
The objectives of REPS is to establish farming priorities and controlled production methods which reflect the increasing concern for conservation, landscape protection and wider environmental problems.
It was also designed to protect wildlife habitats and endangered species of flora and fauna and to produce quality food in an extensive and environmentally sensitive manner.