Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
378. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expected average annual payment for farmers participating in the agri-climate rural environmental scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52514/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme or ACRES has been developed. ACRES is now open for applications until 21st November 2022.
ACRES is expected to deliver significant long-term environmental improvement through participation by a significant number of farmers in the Scheme. Using a habitats-based approach, delivered through both multi-functional prescription and results-based actions, ACRES aims to contribute significantly to achieving improved biodiversity, climate, air and water quality outcomes.
The Scheme has two approaches:
- ACRES Co-operation Project (CP), which applies in eight mapped zones that are areas of high nature value, hold significant carbon stores and are home to some of the most pristine waters in the country. Farmers participating in this approach will have the assistance of a local Co-operation Project (CP) Team, who will assist with implementation of the scheme at local level.
- ACRES General, for all other farmers not falling within CP Zones.
Based on learnings from other results-based schemes trialled by the Department and experience in GLAS, the average annual payment is estimated to be approximately €7,000 for farmers in the ACRES CP measure and €5,000 for farmers in the ACRES General measure.
