Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

733. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that hill farmers are supported in their management of the uplands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54914/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The rules regarding the eligibility for payments of all agricultural lands, including uplands, have been designed to ensure that maximum flexibility is given to farmers so that they can choose the most appropriate methods for their own lands. This allows farmers and their advisors to ensure that management practices chosen suit the particular habitats that exist on their lands.

While most uplands will be grazed with livestock and in the main sheep, where it is necessary to help improve the condition of the lands, farmers may choose other maintenance activities. This could involve controlled burning carried out at the correct time of the year. It may also involve the removal of invasive species that can at times take hold on upland areas or at times it may involve avoiding activities on part of the upland area to allow land recover from previous overgrazing.

My Department published a Guide to Land Eligibility () in 2023 which sets out all options for farmers to ensure their lands remain eligible for payment under area-based schemes such as the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS).