Government and EU Policy

• The  North and Western Region is classified as a disadvantaged area by the EU and it receives high farm subsidies and direct payments under the Common Agricultural Policy.
• Without these payments farming in the west would rapidly decline as only 14% of farms are economically viable without them.
• As a result, 50% of farmers now farm part time . This means that they have jobs outside of the farm.
• Many farmers have changed their practices to make additional income.
• Some farmers use the farmhouse as a bed and breakfast, some have opened pet farms or  make craft foods such as jams to boost their income.
• The Leader Programme helps farmers to develop such alternative income streams.
• The  Irish Government has introduced the  REPS scheme and the Green, Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme  to improve environmental conservation. This gives financial support to farmers who farm in an environmentally friendly way and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.