Michael Moynihan
Ceist:90. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is possible to amend existing ACRES plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46866/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 October 2023
Ceisteanna (90)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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 project with funding of €1.5bn committed over the scheme lifetime. This is the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme.
Tranche 1 of ACRES opened for applications on 17th October 2022, and closed on 7th December 2022. The closing date was extended by two weeks to facilitate the workload of advisors and to ensure receipt of the best quality applications possible. Following engagement with relevant stakeholders I was pleased to announce that all eligible applications were admitted into Tranche 1.
An approval letter issued to all applicants from 8th March 2023. It was advised in this letter to contact the ACRES Section in writing or by email, within 14 calendar days from the date of the approval letter; otherwise, it was taken that the applicant had accepted the offer and associated Terms & Conditions.
ACRES Circular No. 12/2022 which issued to all farm advisors prior to the closing date of Tranche 1 made it clear that once an application had been submitted in full, it would not be possible to make further changes. It is not possible to reopen applications or to make amendments and additions to the actions included at the time of application.
It is anticipated that payments for Tranche 1 that have passed all validations will commence in late November, and will continue to issue on a weekly basis.
All necessary material to enable ACRES payments to be calculated need to be provided to my Department by advisors on behalf of their clients. In addition, each participant is required to complete a training course in the first year of their contract. I would urge all advisors and farmers to ensure that all outstanding requirements are fulfilled in order to facilitate the earliest possible payment of participants.