1. GLAS Training for Advisors
Dr. Pamela Boyle
September 2017

2. Course Outline GLAS Training Requirements Advisors Role
Essential Course Content
Controls
Sanctions

3. GLAS Training requirements
Training course of 6 hour duration over 2 sessions
10am start time recommended
Must be 2 sessions of 3 hour duration
At least 1 session on host farm (GLAS participant) – must incl. actions being delivered by attendees
Outside experts/specialists can be incorporated into the course delivery – GLAS trainer must be present throughout

4. Training Content 1. Intro. to GLAS, regulatory basis, obj. & funding
2. Individual commitments incl. nutrient management, record keeping, timelines
3. Controls, inspections & sanctions
4. Agricultural pollution & avoidance
5. Natura 2000, bird habitat, wildlife habitiat, etc
6. Invasive spp. & CRRU
7. Farm Safety

5. 1. Introduction to GLAS
“Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme” approved by the European Commission within Irelands RDP 2014 – 2020
€1.4 billion - Jointly funded by EU (55%) & National Exchequer (45%)
Objectives
Farm level actions to promote biodiversity, protect water quality, combat climate change
Contribute to positive management of NATURA 2000 sites, river catchments, etc.
Promote & sustain attitudinal changes amongst farmers
Achieve a balanced & effective environmental programme within the RDP

6. 2. Individual Commitments
Core Requirements:
Engage services of an approved advisor to prepare & submit application
Farm Nutrient Management Plan
Training in environmental practices & standards (by end of 2nd year) i.e. GLAS Training
Maintain records of delivery of commitments

7. 2. Individual Commitments
Trainer must explain Actions relevant to the Training Participants. Include the following information:
Specification of Actions relevant to Participants
Specification recommendations
Specified timeframes for completion of actions

8. 3. Controls, inspections & Sanctions
Administrative & On-the-Spot (OTS) checks
OTS checks to ensure compliance with Scheme
5% OTS selected using Risk Analysis
Penalties will apply for certain specific breaches of the Scheme e.g. Not fencing watercourses appropriately under PoWFB action/inadequate record keeping
Baseline & cross compliance breaches will be cross reported and penalties may be applied to other EU farm payments e.g. BPS/ANC

9. 4. Agricultural pollution and avoidance
Climate Change awareness
Influence of agriculture
Water Framework Directive (WFD)
>50% Irish River Pollution associated with diffuse/agriculture sources
Catchment Characterisation
Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme
Sustained, intensive monitoring of agri-economic growth & agri-env. Sustainability

10. 4. Agricultural pollution and avoidance
Source - EPA

11. 5. Importance of Natura 2000 sites, etc.
Special Areas of Conservation/Special Protection Areas
Role of Agriculture in:
Maintaining & Enhancing Habitats
Protecting & promoting species populations (plants & animals)
Protecting natural pollinator communities
BEC
Burren BEO
BirdWatch Ire
WildIreland

12. 6. Invasive Species & CRRU
Invasive non-native plant & animal spp are the 2nd greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide
DAFM Awareness Campaign focused on:
Japanese Knotweed
Rhododendron
Giant Hogweed
Giant Rhubarb
Himalayan Balsam
Montbretia
Old Man’s Beard

13. Rhododendron pontcium
Himalayan Balsam
Japanese Knotweed
Giant Rhubarb

14. 6. Invasive Species & CRRU
Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU)
Developed to reduce secondary exposure & accidental poisoning of non-target species e.g. Barn Owl
Increase awareness & promote responsible use
7 step code – Download on:

15. 7. Farm Safety 2016 work related deaths - 21/46 farm related
Legal requirement under Safety, Health & Welfare Act, to prepare & work to a safety statement
<3 employees – Risk Assessment Document
HSA Agriculture Code of Practice
Code of Practice for Preventing Injury & Occupational Ill Health in Agriculture
Risk Assessment Document
Safe System of Work Plan
Online Risk Assessment

16. GLAS Training - Controls
Training events will be subject to Dept. Inspection – non-compliances may result in penalties to the Trainer &/or Participant
Training courses subject to 5% inspections
Selected using Risk Analysis
Unannounced

17. Controls - Inspection
DAFM Inspector will be present for both AM & PM session
Inspector will have their own attendance sheets to validate Trainers data
Control Report will be completed by Inspector

18. Controls - Sanctions (Trainer)
Yellow Card/Red Card system
If upon inspection the training is considered not to fulfil the GLAS Training criteria - Yellow Card will be issued
Yellow Card – The Trainer will have to re-examine his/her training plan and amend as appropriate to fulfil GLAS training requirements. The Trainer will be inspected a 2nd time
If upon 2nd inspection training is still considered inadequate - Red Card will be issued
Red Card – No payments will be made to the Trainer OR Participants for this event. The Trainer will have to be retrained before running further training events and all Participants must attend another session

19. Controls - Sanctions (Participant)
If a Participant does not fulfil training obligations e.g. attending both am/pm session, a Yellow Card will be issued
Yellow Card – Participant must attend and fully complete another training day before they are eligible to receive payment

20. Thank You Relevant Circulars available at
hemesandpayments/glastranche1/circulars/2017/Cir1Appr ovalAdvisorsGLASApprovedTrainers pdf
hemesandpayments/glastranche1/circulars/2017/AnnexCir 1GLASTrainingSchemeTCs pdf