{"id":890803,"date":"2022-11-01T06:10:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T06:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.agriland.ie\/?p=890803"},"modified":"2022-10-28T13:18:46","modified_gmt":"2022-10-28T12:18:46","slug":"acres-rules-for-riparian-zone-measure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightsail.agriland.ie\/farming-news\/acres-rules-for-riparian-zone-measure\/","title":{"rendered":"ACRES: Rules for\u00a0riparian zone measure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The Agri-Climate Rural Environmental Scheme (ACRES) formally opened for applications last week (October 19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Farmers across the country are currently examining the list of general actions<\/a> and payment rates to see which measures suit them best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the farm system, location in the country and stocking rate, different measures will suit different farms.<\/p>\n\n\n One option that can increase farmers’ payments in the ACRES Scheme is the riparian zone measure, which offers a payment of \u20ac1,530\/ha\/year with a maximum area of 2ha eligible for payment in the measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the ACRES criteria, the riparian buffer strip(s) and zone(s) must be fenced off and stock-proof for the duration of the contract, in order to exclude all livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chemical or organic fertiliser cannot be applied to the riparian buffer and pesticides and herbicides are not permitted either, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cutting is permitted but cannot take place between March 1, and August 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An access point into the buffer strip\/zone is permitted to keep it managed, however the use of heavy machinery should be avoided within 2m of the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Appropriate management\/removal of non-native invasive species such as Himalayan balsam and Giant hogweed is allowed where necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ACRES General is available nationally, however ACRES Co-operation is only available to farmers in defined high-priority geographical areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Map of zones eligible for co-operation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ACRES General offers a maximum payment of \u20ac7,311\/year and ACRES Co-operation offers a maximum payment of \u20ac10,500\/year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The level of payment a farmer may achieve will be determined by the payment rates for the actions selected and undertaken to satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay tuned to Agriland <\/strong><\/em>for more information on ACRES.<\/p>\n\n\nRules for<\/strong> riparian zone measure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
General vs. Co-operation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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