March 11, 2021 8:39 am
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has been called on to intervene and ensure the withdrawal of a European Council of Ministers proposal on the management of peat-based soils.
The calls for the minister to act are being made by Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) this week.
The council’s proposal which is covered under eligible hectare in GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition) 2 will “create a situation that agricultural activity on these peat-soils is no longer allowed as farmers are required to carry out actions that will make farming activity impossible”, INHFA president Colm O’Donnell warned.
Farmers on designated land could be paid up to €490/ha for extensively grazing cattle and not spreading fertiliser as part of a range of schemes proposed by the Department of Heritage aimed at conserving habitats and birds.
The Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000 in Ireland sets out measures and schemes for the country’s Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protected Areas (SPA).