All valid ACRES applications to be accepted - welcome news for Mayo farmers

CONFIRMATION from the Department of Agriculture that all valid ACRES applications are to be accepted has been welcomed by Deputy Michael Ring. This and the fact that the application process for the new Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) as well as other area-based schemes is now open is a major step forward in the implementation of Ireland’s 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan.

Said Deputy Ring: “I am delighted that the government have once again shown their commitment to the farmers of Ireland. The fact that all valid ACRES applications will be accepted in to tranche one of the scheme will provide a tremendous boost to many farming households.

“There were more than 46,000 ACRES applications received nationally.

“Farmers have shown their desire to enhance the environmental sustainability of their enterprises through their enthusiasm for the CAP Strategic Plan’s flagship environmental programme.”

ACRES applicants will hear further from the Department of Agriculture in the coming days, as the formal approval letters are issued, he explained.

An approval summary which will show where actions have been mapped on the participant’s farm will also be sent to ACRES participants by the end of March as well as a species identification booklet to help farmers identify the indicator species on their land to be used in the scoring process.

He continued: “Over the coming days, farmers will receive information in the post containing their BISS maps and land details for 2023. Useful information on the new schemes, on the Area Monitoring System and a guide to staying healthy, safe, and well while farming, which has been supported and driven by Minister of State Heydon, will also be posted to farmers. This information will assist farmers and their advisors to make their online BISS application.

“The Department of Agriculture have stated that with this being the first year of the new CAP Strategic Plan, a whole range of new schemes are being introduced over a relatively short time period and it is important therefore that farmers and advisors are aware of some important planned delivery dates, including the closing date for BISS applications, which will be midnight on Monday, May 29, 2023; the advance payment dates for ANC, BISS, CRISS and the Eco-scheme, which are expected to commence in October 2023; and the dates for balancing payments and payments for other schemes, which are expected to commence in December 2023.

“The department also confirmed that the online systems for transferring payment entitlements and for applying for the National Reserve (Young Farmer and New Entrant) and Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (the new Young Farmers’ Scheme) will open in mid-March.”