Low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) could feature as part of an environmental scheme that farmers would have to opt in to in order to secure their full Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), according to Leanne Roche of the Department of Agriculture.

Speaking to Agricultural Consultants Association members at a training event in Portlaoise, Roche said an environmental scheme will form part of Pillar I payments under the next CAP.

The scheme would be optional but farmers would have to opt in if they wish to receive their full Pillar I payment, which is currently the BPS, she told consultants.

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One measure that could be proposed under such a scheme is having to spread all slurry using LESS equipment to help to reduce emissions.

Another potential requirement could be that farmers would have to complete a nutrient management plan to be eligible for their BPS.

Also speaking on the topic was Dr Frank McGovern of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who said: “We see that beef production is not going well currently and that prices are under pressure.

“We have to ask the question is beef production an efficient use of our emissions?”

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