Written answers
Tuesday, 30 June 2020
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Land Issues
Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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580. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Ireland does not use the land parcel definition of permanent grazing under established local practices which is used in other EU countries; when this decision was taken; the reason for this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12789/20]
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has, since the outset of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2015, included PG-ELP (Permanent Grassland, Established Local Practices) in the definition of permanent grassland as allowed under Article 4(1)(h) of Regulation 1307/2013.
This specific option relates to the eligibility of permanent grassland where grasses and other species do not predominate. In an Irish context this primarily relates to heather dominated pastures used for extensive grazing of livestock, typically sheep and cattle.
The Guide to Land Eligibility booklet sent to all applicants at the outset of the BPS scheme sets out the characteristics of permanent grassland, including PG-ELP, for it to be deemed eligible for payment.
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