A key driver of EU schemes is the sustainable environmental management of farmed land. In the case of commonage, account must be taken of the environmental effects of the actions of all active shareholders. Either a Commonage Management Plan or a Commonage Farm Plan must be prepared for each individual commonage as a baseline requirement for GLAS.
While agreement between the appointed Commonage Advisor and the active shareholders on the management of commonages is achievable in the majority of cases, it is also recognised that in a relatively small number of commonages such an agreement may not be forthcoming. The Commonage Implementation Committee was established to assist in the resolution of issues arising.
The Committee meet as required including meeting this week. Once its recommendations are received and actioned by the Department, the individuals involved are notified.