Spotlight on Environment Policy

24 October, 2003

The direction of agri-environment policy following the implementation of CAP Reform will be outlined by a leading European expert at the Teagasc Annual REPS Conference, in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore on Tuesday, 4 November.

Dr Jan-Erik Peterson of the European Environment Agency will give his vision of environment policy in Ireland and other EU member states over the coming years.

The conference will also be given an update on the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and will hear a progress report on the mid-term review of REPS from senior officials in the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Teagasc Chief Environment Adviser, Sean Regan, will detail the challenges for farmers posed by new environmental requirements, including the soon to be implemented Nitrate Directive.

The conference will also feature an assessment of the impact of the new CAP Reforms by leading economist, Professor Gerry Boyle. Other topics include an update on the progress of the National Compensation Scheme by Dr Alan Craig of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The conference, which runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm, has become the premier discussion forum for professionals involved in the planning and operation of REPS as well as in the wider field of environmental protection, water quality and countryside management.