There is a new Green Architecture proposed for the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) post-2020, with the three elements within that being Conditionality, Pillar 1 Eco-Schemes and Pillar 2 interventions.
While negotiations on the relevant overarching regulations are still ongoing, it is proposed that actions in relation to agri-environment, climate, biodiversity and protection of natural resources will be included in the eco-scheme measure under Pillar I and in a range of interventions in Pillar 2 in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, with such actions, if approved by the Commission, being funded from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and, in the case of Pillar 2 interventions, with co-funding from the National Exchequer.
A number of tree planting related actions featured under the current agri-environment measure (GLAS) with 1.5 million trees planted under these measures. A range of tree planting actions are under consideration for future agri-environment measures. The Department continues to engage with relevant stakeholders on the design of these and full public consultation is planned in the very near future as part of wider CAP process.
