This week in Ours to Protect, we took a look at the significant role farmers have to play in protecting our environment.
Did you know?....
ACRES is Ireland's new agri-environment climate scheme under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan.
€1.5 billion euro has been allocated for the scheme which aims to protect our waterways and peatlands, stop flooding and get rid of invasive species.
46,000 farmers around the country have already signed up to take part in ACRES.
Thousands of farmers in Kerry have joined the new scheme.
How does this help?...
This farmer-friendly scheme aims to help address biodiversity decline while delivering income support for up to 50,000 farm families in Ireland.
In other words, the environment is protected without the loss of income for farmers.
The intake for ACRES has been phased.
Farmers can check the ACRES stream they may be eligible for through agfood.ie, under the ‘ACRES Access Agreement’ button.
Farmers who have not yet signed up to the Acres scheme will have another chance to join next year.
Useful links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/f5a48-agri-climate-rural-environment-scheme-acres/
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/f5a48-agri-climate-rural-environment-scheme-acres/#how-to-qualify