Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan introduces the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), a €1.5 billion agri-environment climate initiative. This flagship scheme, designed to counter biodiversity decline while providing income support, comprises of ten scorecards within ACRES Co-operation (CP) zones. These zones encompass seven habitat-specific and three species-specific scorecards, aimed at incentivising ecosystem service provision on agricultural land.
Participants within ACRES Co-operation zones will undergo land assessment by approved ACRES advisors in years 1, 3, and 5, following mandatory in-field training. Based on these evaluations, results-based payments will be determined, constituting the primary component of ACRES CP participants’ compensation. Furthermore, this approach solidifies the commitment of individual rented or leased fields to the ACRES five-year contract.
To facilitate comprehensive submissions, the deadline for applications has been extended to September 29, 2023, offering advisors an additional four weeks for completion.
