ACRES

Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme
Orchard Trees

WHAT IS THE ACRES ORCHARD TREES SCHEME?

Introduction to Non-Productive Investments (NPIs)

Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) are actions farmers can implement to address environmental challenges, contribute to sustainability goals, or improve field scores through better management. Farmers apply for NPIs via their advisors, using the GLAM mapping system managed by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM).

Key Points:

  • NPIs must be approved through an NPI Annual Works Plan (AWP) before any work begins.
  • The CP Team reviews applications and either approves or rejects them. Approval is valid from the date of the NPI-AWP Approval letter.
  • DAFM may inspect, audit, or evaluate NPIs, even after the ACRES contract ends.

Each CP region’s Local Action Plan identifies environmental goals and priorities. Funding is directed towards NPIs that align with these goals. Actions that do not address identified farm-level issues or meet Local Action Plan objectives may be rejected.

NPIs differ from Landscape Actions (LAs) as they are typically smaller, standalone projects on individual farms. Separate guidelines for Landscape Actions are available.

Funding Overview

  1. Total Budget: ACRES CP participants can access a maximum of €52,500 over the 5-year contract (€10,500 annually).
  2. Core Payment: Up to €7,000 per year is available for results-based and general action payments.
  3. NPI/LA Bonus Fund: An additional €17,500 (€3,500 annually) is allocated for NPIs, LAs, and Landscape Bonuses.
  4. Unused Core Payments: Any unclaimed portion of the €7,000 core payment is added to the participant’s NPI/LA fund, ensuring farmers can still achieve the full €52,500 over five years.
  5. Payment Limitations: Payments for NPIs are capped by the participant’s remaining budget, ensuring the €52,500 ceiling is not exceeded.
  6. Farm Partnerships: Registered Farm Partnerships can multiply the maximum budget by the number of holdings (up to three).

NPIs offer a flexible approach for farmers to enhance their environmental impact while accessing tailored financial support.

What are the ACRES ORCHARD TREES Objectives

The Goal is to  preserve Native Apple Varieties – Beneficial for wildlife and provides a sheltered spot for a sickly lamb.

What’s Involved:

  • Plant at least 10 native apple trees.
  • Fence the orchard to protect it from livestock.
  • Safeguard trees from deer and hares.
  • Manage competing vegetation and replace any failed trees.
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OUR - ACRES ORCHARD TREES APPROVED VARIETIES

WHAT IS THE ACRES SCHEME?

ACRES is Ireland’s new agri-environment climate scheme under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. This new €1.5 billion flagship agri-environment scheme is a farmer-friendly scheme to help address biodiversity decline while delivering an income support for up to 50,000 farm families in Ireland.

ACRES SCHEME GRANTS INFORMATION

 

We have limited stock available for the ACRES Scheme, part of Ireland’s new agri-environment climate initiative. To secure your order, please get in touch early to avoid disappointment.

The ACRES scheme, integral to Ireland’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (2023-2027), is allocated a budget of €1.5 billion. Its goal is to assist farmers in enhancing biodiversity, climate, air, and water quality on their farms.

Tailored to diverse locations, land types, and environmental priorities, the scheme offers various actions for farmers to select from. Some actions are results-based, meaning farmers receive compensation based on achieved environmental outcomes. Although accessible to all farmers, priority access is granted to those with environmentally significant land.

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