Farmers are to benefit from the renewal of a Government-aided scheme to protect the rural environment.
But the IFA has criticised the announcement, saying fewer farmers are eligible and payments are smaller.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, said this evening that despite the budgetary restraints, the Agri-Environment Options Scheme will operate again this year.
However, there will be an expenditure limit of €25m per annum on the scheme and a maximum payment to farmers of €4,000 a year.
The AEOS scheme last year replaced the REPS environmental programme. It will be open for applications until 16 May next, and the conditions and payment rates for the new participants will apply until the end of 2013.
Mr Coveney said farmers will continue to be paid to undertake identifiable and verifiable environmental measures. He said 60,000 farmers are currently participating in environment schemes.
Minister Coveney added that he believes that the scheme will be attractive to farmers while also delivering real, worthwhile environmental benefits.
IFA President John Bryan accused Mr Coveney of rowing back on a Budget decision is unacceptable as up to 2,000 farmers will now not be able to join the scheme and the maximum payment is cut by €1,000.
Mr Bryan said the decision will be devastating for low income farmers who depend greatly on direct supports such as AEOS.
Mr Bryan has sought an immediate meeting with Minister Coveney.
