Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
137. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised by farmers regarding the ACRES scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53081/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure which forms part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027.
ACRES is the third ‘layer' in the Green Architecture model under the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and is a voluntary scheme whereby farmers, when approved into the Scheme, undertake certain actions on their land for at least five years – with those actions going beyond conditionality and the voluntary eco-scheme.
ACRES is farmer-friendly and well-funded scheme that will provide an important income support to our farm families while also achiveing tangible environmental improvements.
Farmers may apply for one of the approaches available under ACRES, namely the ACRES General approach or the ACRES Co-operation approach depending on the location of their holding. Using a habitats-based approach, delivered through both prescription and results-based actions, ACRES will contribute to improving biodiversity, climate, air, and water quality outcomes.
The Government has committed €1.5 billion to the Scheme. The payment rates are attractive, with a maximum annual payment of up to €7,311 to a participant in ACRES General while a participant in the ACRES Co-operation approach could receive up to €10,500 in a given year.
One of the requirements of the Scheme is that applications, and the accompanying Farm Sustainability Plan, must be prepared and submitted by an approved ACRES advisor. The rates such advisors charge their clients for this work is a matter for the farmer and his/her advisor.
ACRES is now fully open and receiving applications every day. To assist farmers, there was an online farmer information meeting. There are also webinars and tutorials available on the Department's social media platform for advisors to access and view as and when required.
Each approved ACRES advisor will work with their clients to choose the most appropriate actions for their holding, with a view to maximising payments and to ensure these actions are in the most appropriate locations.
Participation in the scheme is voluntary and participants may be subject to inspection as required by EU regulations. The fee for the preparation and submission of the application and accompanying Farm Sustainability Plan is a matter for the farmer and his/her advisor.
