Two significant schemes that will deliver millions of euro to farmers while improving their overall sustainability over the next five years opened for applications today.
The ACRES (Agri Climate Rural Environment) Scheme and the Organic Farming Scheme will pay participating farmers to protect and enhance their farm holdings for nature, to farm in a way that does not damage the environment and that reduces the use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides.
30,000 farmers are initially expected to participate in ACRES, rising to 50,000 over the duration of the scheme.
The scheme will pay farmers up to €10,500 a year on condition they take specific actions that improve biodiversity and protect climate, air and water quality.
The total funding for ACRES is €1.5 billion and closing date for applications is November 21.
Meanwhile, the Organic Farming Scheme has a fund of €256m and is open for applications until December 9.
Dry stock farmers converting to organic could quality for up to €300 per hectare during the conversion period and €250 per hectare after that.
There is also an annual participation payment of €2000 in year one and €1,400 thereafter.
The Programme for Government aims to get 7.5% of land farmed organically during its lifetime.
