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 its Direct Payments budget (c. €297 million per annum) for the Eco-Scheme in its CAP Strategic Plan which has now been agreed with the EU Commission. Any change to the scheme would require an amendment to Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan.

The Eco-Scheme is a voluntary annual scheme and 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 applied for 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.

The types of features included in the calculation of Space for Nature includes features such as hedgerows, drains, stonewalls, habitats, areas of scrub, rock, trees and woodland.

Through the Eco-Scheme, farmers are now being rewarded the beneficial features they have on their holding.