FRS are delighted to be selected as the new strategic partners of Teagasc in the roll out of the GLAS planning and support service to Teagasc farmer clients in 2015.

FRS are now recruiting for Agricultural Advisors and GLAS Planners nationwide.

Ideal candidates will have a HETEC level 8 degree in Agricultural Science or Land Management with the following subjects:

Soil science and Crop Production or Animal Production.

Applications are invited from both experienced and recent graduates.

A limited number of applications will also be accepted from graduates of similar disciplines.

Work will involve the preparation of agri-environmental plans in compliance with the GLAS scheme which is anticipated to commence in early 2015.

Advisors will be expected to work as part of a team and to be equally adept at working on their own initiative. Familiarity with and experience of a variety of farm production systems an advantage.

Access to own transport and full clean driving licence are essential as regular farm visits will be integral to the role.

CV’s should be sent  by e-mail to:  glascareers@frsnetwork.ie

The GLAS scheme is designed to build on the success of REPS (Rural Environment Protection Scheme) and AEOS (Agri-Environment Options Scheme) which encouraged farmers to farm in an environmentally friendly manner.

• GLAS will be a 5-year scheme with a maximum payment of €5, 000 annually for up to 50, 000 farmers, with an expectation that 30,000 will be accepted in the first year.
• In order to qualify for payment, farmers will have to undertake specified environmental actions based on a plan prepared by an approved planner.  A nutrient management plan will also be required
• Access to the scheme will be on a priority basis.

For further details of the GLAS scheme see DAFM website at

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/glas/

FRS were selected following a tender process. The decision was approved by the Teagasc Authority at its meeting in Oak Park Carlow, today, 3 December. GLAS is the Green Low-carbon Agrienvironmental Scheme which is expected to open for farmers to apply to in 2015.

Once the scheme is opened by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc clients will be able to work through their local Teagasc office as usual to avail of the GLAS service.  Teagasc will ensure that a qualified planner, provided by FRS will be available to clients who have applied to Teagasc to assist them with a scheme application. The planner will visit them on farm and meet them in the Teagasc office when required. Payments for plans will be made to Teagasc.

ENDS