Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2023
36. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details regarding the number of farmers being accommodated under ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11918/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the central agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027.
It is a flagship agri-environmental scheme that will pay farmers €1.5bn over the lifetime of the scheme ACRES will play a huge role in terms of driving environmental improvements while also providing a crucial income support to farm families. ACRES is the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme.
As Deputy may be aware, over 46,000 farmers applied for entry into Tranche 1 of ACRES. I am pleased to advise that all valid applications submitted for Tranche 1 will be accepted into the Scheme, and that farmers will be receiving their formal notifications this week.
As I mentioned, when announcing the decision last week, this high level of applications clearly shows how engaged and ambitious our farm families are for embracing the climate and biodiversity challenge. ACRES has proven to be a strong and farmer-friendly scheme which has caught the imagination of the farming public.
The approval letters will be followed in due course by an approval summary, which will show where actions have been mapped on the participant’s farm. My Department will also be sending a copy of the Farmland Plant Identification Guide, a booklet developed by my Department to help farmers in the scoring process, to each farmer with the approval summary.
As the number accepted into the Scheme in 2023 is greater than that initially planned, the timely and effective operation of the Scheme will require intensive and focused effort from all concerned, including my Department, advisors, Co-operation Project Teams and farmers. Farmers should, upon receipt of their approval letters, contact their ACRES Advisor to update them about the outcome of their application to facilitate planning and work arising.
