SHARING OPTIONS:
The system would require landscape features and semi-natural areas to be mapped at a farm-scale level. \ Philip Doyle
Scoring Irish farms based on the volume of semi-natural vegetation and landscape features present has been suggested as Ireland’s flagship eco-scheme by a group of scientists and researchers.
The proposals have been made as part of an EU-wide report on how the next CAP can improve biodiversity.
Around 25% of Ireland’s direct payment budget, some €300m, is to be ring-fenced for eco-schemes. Eco-schemes will be voluntary for farmers, but those who opt out will not secure a full direct payment.