Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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959. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the ACRES scheme will open for new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27767/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, ACRES is the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, the flagship agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. It is a voluntary scheme whereby farmers, when approved into ACRES, commit to undertaking certain actions on their land for at least five years.

Farmers demonstrated their desire to enhance the environmental sustainability of their enterprises through their enthusiasm for ACRES, with the submission of over 46,000 applications for Tranche 1 of the Scheme. Farmers have thereby shown that they are ready and willing to play their part and both I and the Government are happy to support their contribution to addressing the range of climate, environmental and biodiversity challenges currently being experienced.

I was therefore pleased to be able to accept all valid applications submitted for Tranche 1 into the Scheme and these successful farmers have since received their formal notifications.

My Department is currently making arrangements for the opening in Quarter 4 of 2023 of Tranche 2 of the Scheme for applications. I will be announcing the exact date closer to the time and ensuring that every interested farmer and their advisor is aware of how to apply.