Eco-Schemes 2023

By MICHAEL MORRISSEY, Ecologist at IRD Duhallow.

Eco-Schemes which will replace the conventional Greening payment farmers traditional received will be introduced from 2023 onwards. It will be mandatory for European Union member states to introduce Eco-Schemes, however, it will be voluntary for farmers to join these schemes within member states. Funded through Pillar 1, 25% of the direct payments allocation will be ring fenced for funding of eco-schem es.

To prevent this full allocation of funding not been drawn down the eco-scheme payment can increase in the payment per hectare if all eligible BISS applicants do not subsequently apply for the eco-schemes. The general conscientious is approximately 85% of eligible herd numbers will apply for Eco-Schemes. Subject to ratification from the EU Commission there will be a list of 8 agricultural practises put forward as options for Eco-Schemes by the DAFM which are deemed beneficial for climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity. Eco-Scheme payments are funded to farmers as interventions which go beyond the mandatory conditionality requirements as set out in the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC).

Multi Species Sward

There will be an annual payment per hectare with the farmer having the option to opt in or out on an annual basis. To qualify for the Eco-Scheme payments, the BISS (Replacing the BPS application in 2023) applicant must deliver two agricultural practises or options. According to the DAFM if all 129,000 eligible herd numbers active in the country apply for the Eco-Scheme the payment rate will be €66 per eligible hectare. Depending on uptake this payment per hectare will possibly increase. For example, if only 85% of the active herd numbers opt in the payment rate will be €77 per hectare. Subject to approval by the commission the proposed Eco – Schemes are briefly outlined here.

Option 1 Allocating Space for Nature:

As discussed in part 1 last week conditionality under GAEC for every active farmer currently stands at 4% space for nature. If selecting this option for the Eco- Scheme a farmer must leave 7% of the holding as space for nature. Increasing to the enhanced option of 10% space for nature will count as two options for the Eco-Scheme and full payment for hectare.

Option 2 Extensive Livestock Production:

To be eligible to select this option a livestock farmer must have a minimum of 0.10 LU/ ha up to a maximum of 1.5 LU/ Ha. Stocking rates to qualify for this option will be based on the reference year of 2022.

Option 3 Limiting Chemical Fertiliser Use:

This option will be based on bands ranging from >90 Kgs Organic N /Ha to >210 Kgs Organic N/Ha. For example, if a herd is stocked in the 91 – 130 Kg’s Organic N/Ha in 2022 they

Option 4 Planting of Native Trees and Hedgerows:

A farmer must plant 3 native trees per hectare or 1 metre of hedgerow per hectare. An enhanced option is available whereby a farmer plants 6 trees or 2 metres of hedgerow or 3 native trees and 1 metre of hedgerow per hectare. This will quality as two options and full payment per hectare for the scheme.

Option 5 The Use of GPS controlled spreader and/ or sprayer:

At least 60% of the chemical fertiliser and/or plant protection products must be applied annually using this equipment where the machinery is either owned or is a contractor service.

Option 6 Soil sampling and appropriate liming:

Soil sampling must be carried out on all eligible hectares on the holding with appropriate liming applied as per the recommendations of the soil analysis report. This option is only available once every three years.

Option 7 Planting of a break crop:

Tillage farmers must plant 20% of the eligible holding with either beans, peas, OSR or oats or a combination of these crops.

Option 8 Multi Species Sward:

Multi Species Swards must be sown on 6% of the eligible hectares on the holding in the year the option is selected. In summary the Eco-Schemes will be introduced in 2023 on a voluntary basis whereby a farmer must select two options from the list above to qualify. It must be noted the options listed above are subject to approval by the EU Commission.