Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) 2023-2027, Eco-Schemes will be implemented across EU Member States to provideall farmers regardless of sector with an opportunity to participate and deliver agricultural practices that are beneficial to climate, biodiversity, the environment and water quality.

While Eco-Schemes are voluntary for farmers, they are mandatory for Member States. Ireland has set aside 25% of the Direct Payments envelope (c. €297 million per annum) for the Eco-Scheme.

This voluntary annual scheme is open to all active farmers. To qualify for payment, farmers will have to undertake specific agricultural practices on their farms. Payment under the Eco-Scheme will be an annual payment for all eligible hectares covered by the commitments undertaken. Each farmer will have the opportunity to opt in or out on an annual basis. Agricultural practices chosen can also be changed on a yearly basis at the farmers discretion. Farmers will apply for the Eco-Scheme at the same time as their application for the new Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS) from 2023 onwards.

Ireland's Eco-Scheme has eight agricultural practices to choose from, with three of these practices having an enhanced option. A farmer must deliver two practices (or one enhanced option) to qualify for an Eco-Scheme payment.

On the 15^thSeptember 2022 my Department supplied farmers with the indicative estimates of their "Space for Nature" on their own farms. All farmers must meet a minimum 4% Space for Nature to comply with their baseline conditionality GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environment Condition) requirements for BISS. Where a farmer has 7% or greater Space for Nature, that counts as one of their two Eco Scheme agricultural practices. Where a farmer has 10% or greater Space for Nature, that counts as two Eco Scheme agricultural practices.

The types of features included in the calculation of Space for Nature and GAEC 8 includes linear features such as hedgerows, drains, stonewalls and other area-based features such as habitat, areas of scrub, rock, trees and woodland.

Through the Eco-Scheme, farmers are now being rewarded for keeping the beneficial features they have on their holding with the indicative estimates published in September 2022 indicating that approximately 90% of farmers have in excess of 10% Space for Nature. Once a farmer applies for Eco-Scheme, remains above 10% Space for Nature and complies with the Eco Scheme terms and conditions, the application will be processed for payment.