CAP schemes for farmers

The CAP schemes for Irish farmers will focus on improving the environment and helping to prevent climate change. Many CAP schemes are changing as part of the CAP Strategic Plan, which comes into effect on January 1, 2023.

Farmers may now apply for BISS and other schemes using the department's online facility (agfood.ie). They can now log onto www.agfood.ie and go to the schemes link to start their applications.

Alternatively, farmers can contact a Farm Advisory System (FAS) approved advisor to make the application on their behalf. For a list of FAS approved advisors, please see https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b41a6-farm-advisory-system/#find-a-farm-advisor

Farmers can apply online on the BISS application system for the following schemes:

• Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Scheme

• Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Payment Entitlements

• Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS)

• Eco-scheme

• National Reserve (Young Farmer Category)

• Protein Aid and Protein/Cereal Mix (50/50) Crop Scheme

The closing date for applications is midnight on 29 May 2023.

For more information, see here: : https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dba65-biss-and-other-area-related-schemes/

• Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES)

The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) will deliver significant long-term environmental improvement through participation by a significant number of farmers on the most appropriate land, with each making a strong improvement on their farm. Using a habitats-based approach, delivered through both prescription and results-based actions, ACRES will contribute significantly to achieving improved biodiversity, climate, air and water quality outcomes.

• Eco-scheme

The Eco-scheme - a initiative this CAP funded by funding 25% of the direct payments ceiling - is to reward farmers for undertaking actions beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity, and will be implemented annually, with farmers having the opportunity to opt in or out on an annual basis. The Eco-scheme will be open to all active farmers in the country, or groups of active farmers. Farmers must deliver at least two of the following agricultural practices:

1. Space for Nature (Non-productive areas and landscape features). Log into Agfood.ie to check your GAEC 8 and Space for Nature calculation.

2. Extensive livestock production

3. Limiting chemical nitrogen usage

4. Planting of native trees/hedgerows

5. Use of GPS controlled spreader and/or sprayer

6. Soil sampling and appropriate liming

7. Planting a break crop

8. Sowing a multi-species sward.

• Organic Farming Scheme

The Organic Farming Scheme will support farmers who want to convert from conventional farming systems to organic farming systems, as well as to support its continuation after the initial period of conversion - a maximum of two years. It will increase the area of land farmed organically in Ireland, as well as increase the number of sustainable farming systems to deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits and help respond to the increasing demand for organically produced food.

• Sheep Improvement Scheme

The Sheep Improvement Scheme provides financial support for actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector.

The Sheep Improvement Scheme will contribute to improved welfare through targeted interventions in lameness control, parasite control, genetic improvement, flystrike, and appropriate supplementation. Farmers in the scheme get €12 per breeding ewe for completing flock welfare measures.

Full scheme details including terms and conditions is available here.

•Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM)

The Straw Incorporation Measure is a payment for chopping straw and incorporating it into the soil.

Full scheme details including terms and conditions is available here.

•Areas of Natural Constraints

The Areas of Natural Constraints scheme provides payments to people farming land in designated areas face significant hardships from factors such as remoteness, difficult topography, climatic problems and poor soil conditions.

Full scheme details including terms and conditions is available here.

•Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS)

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) will provide grant aid to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding.

Details of the €370m five year scheme, including eligible items, grant aid levels and reference are available here.