ACRES Training Scheme (ATS)

The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) requires all ACRES participants to attend a single compulsory ACRES Training Course in the first year of their participation in ACRES.

The ACRES Training Scheme puts a system in place for ACRES participants to attend the required ACRES Training course.

ATS provides for two types of training courses:

• The compulsory course to be attended by an ACRES participant in the first year of their participation in ACRES, and

• A voluntary course, one of which may be undertaken by ACRES participants in the third year of their participation in ACRES.

The ACRES Training courses will be organised and given by ACRES Trainers approved by the Department for this particular Scheme.

The objectives of the Scheme are to:

• increase farmers’ understanding of climate change, the impact of farming activities on natural resources and the protection of biodiversity at farm level,

• outline how the actions undertaken as part of ACRES will address the environmental, climate and biodiversity related challenges outlined in the SWOT analysis undertaken as part of Ireland’s preparation of its CAP Strategic Plan, and

• educate farmers on how to appropriately implement the ACRES actions; thereby equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimise delivery and continue the ongoing management of the commitments undertaken; as well as to facilitate the implementation of sustainable farming practices.

The ACRES Training Course is open to farmers who are participating in ACRES. One of the requirements of ACRES is to attend the compulsory ACRES course in their first year of participation in ACRES.

Satisfactory completion of the compulsory course is required before their ACRES payment may issue. An ACRES participant may also opt to attend one voluntary ACRES Training course in their third year of participation.

The amount payable to an ACRES participant who satisfactorily attends an ACRES Training course is €156. This amount is paid to the approved ACRES Trainer who runs the course and he/she will pay each farmer who satisfactorily attends the full course. The ACRES Trainer is then paid a fee of €90 in respect of each farmer who attends the course.

2025

2024

2023

Data Protection / Privacy Notices provide information to our customers about what happens to their personal data in this Department. The Privacy Notice for the ACRES Training Scheme may be accessed at gov.ie - Data Protection Privacy Notices (www.gov.ie)