Changes to the Farm Assist Means Test will ensure more farmers will benefit from taking part in agri-environmental programmes.
That's according to Senator Aisling Dolan who says an income disregard will now be applied to the Department's Farm Assist, Jobseeker's Allowance and State Non-Contributory Pensions.
It means farmers who wish to participate in schemes like Glas, REAP, BDGP will not lose out on their pension or other payments from the Department of Social Protection.
Senator Dolan believes it's a sensible move and hopes it will entice more farmers the lead the way and join agricultural programmes.
''Farm families can earn income in so many ways, you know, particularly under agri environmental schemes, and it's about maintaining hedgerows, you know, it could be fencing off waterways, or it could be to do with low emission slurry spreading. The minister has introduced this disregard to support small farmers.''
