GLAS Scheme
Introduction
The GLAS (Green, Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme) ended on 31 December 2022 and is no longer open for applications.
This page can be used for reference purposes for information on the operation of GLAS up until it closed on 31 December 2022.
The most recent GLAS Scheme was part of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. It provided funding to farmers in return for delivering environmental management on their land. Farmers had to commit to the scheme for a minimum period of 5 years. The final payments were made to farmers in March 2023.
GLAS built on the earlier REPS and AEOS schemes and was set up to provide income support for farmers who engage in specified environmental activities.
What was the GLAS scheme?
Aims of the scheme
GLAS had a number of aims, including:
- Protecting agricultural land, its habitats and biodiversity
- Promoting environmentally sustainable methods of farming
- Addressing issues of climate change mitigation, water quality and the preservation of habitats and species
- Maintaining features such as traditional drystone walls and hedgerows
Core requirements
All farmers in GLAS had to comply with a list of mandatory core requirements, which aimed to ensure that farmers have a level of environmental knowledge.
Farmers had to keep records of relevant actions delivered, have a plan for nutrient resource efficiency on their holding and also undergo training in environmental practices and standards.
Structure of the scheme
Access to GLAS was divided into several tiers and sub-tiers.
More information
You can read more about the rates of payment for the various elements of GLAS are on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
For information on farming schemes, you can contact your local office of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or Teagasc.