Get a payment to protect the environment on your farm (GLAS)

1. What Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) is
2. How to qualify
3. Rates of payment
4. Apply

5. Extension of GLAS 1 & 2 Contracts
6. Extension of GLAS 1, 2 and 3 contracts for 2022
7. GLAS Record Sheets

What Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) is

The Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) provides payments to farmers to help tackle climate change, preserve biodiversity, protect habitats and promote environmentally-friendly farming.

How to qualify

The scheme is structured to give priority to farmers with vulnerable lands, for example areas that include sensitive landscapes, water areas or are the habitat of specific wild birds. However, proposals were also accepted from farmers who take specific steps such as reducing emissions and protecting bio-diversity.

The scheme closed to new entrants in 2016 but payments continue as part of a five-year contract. The scheme was rolled out in three phrases - Tranche 1, Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 - between 2015 and 2016. You must comply with the conditions of the tranche of the scheme you are participating in.

Specifications for Tranches 1, 2 and 3 are set out in the links below.

Additional information is set out in the GLAS Circulars.

Those applying to GLAS gave a commitment to:

farm the land themselves
attend training in environmental practices and standards
maintain records of delivery of commitments undertaken
have a farm nutrient management plan prepared
have an approved agricultural planner prepare the GLAS application
comply with Cross Compliance requirements and GAEC standards

Applicants were prioritised on the environmental sensitivity of their lands and the types of measures they agreed to undertake.

To continue to be eligible for payment you must co-operate with department staff, or its agents, in relation to any inspection or any request for documentation.

Rates of payment

Specific payment rates depend on your land and the actions you take but in general the maximum payment is €5,000 per year. Farmers taking part in GLAS+, which involves particularly challenging measures, can get a top-up payment of up to €2,000 per year.

Apply

Your GLAS payment application is submitted as part of the Basic Payment Scheme. To apply online, login or register at www.agfood.ie. You must apply by midnight on Wednesday 15 May 2020.

If your login or password are expired and need to be renewed please contact the helpdesk:

Agfood Online Services Helpdesk

Address:

Government Offices, Farnham Street, Cavan, Co Cavan, H12 D459

Website:

www.agfood.ie

Email:

agfood@agriculture.ie

Phone number:

+353 (0) 49 436 8288

Summary:

Agfood Online Services Helpdesk in the Department's Cavan office.

Extension of GLAS 1 & 2 Contracts

Farmers who had entered contracts under Tranches 1 and 2 of the Scheme, which were due to expire on 31 December 2020, can apply to extend their contracts for one additional year. Updated documents for each Tranche may be accessed below