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

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.

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.

• GLAS Specifications Tranche 1 - 16 October 2015
• GLAS Specifications Tranche 2 - 31 December 2015
• GLAS Specifications Tranche 3 - 3 November 2016

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.

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.

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:

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

2022

2021

GLAS Tranche 1 Record Sheets

GLAS Tranche 1 Record Sheets for Previous Years

GLAS Tranche 2 Record Sheets

GLAS Tranche 2 Record Sheets for Previous Years

GLAS Tranche 3 Record Sheets

GLAS Tranche 3 Record Sheets for Previous Years