The Department of Agriculture no longer requires farmers to retain 10% of their eligible hectares in an agricultural activity for the purposes of retaining eligibility for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

“DAFM reviewed this requirement, which had been in place for many years, and concluded that the change was possible and that it would be positive for farming and forestry,” said a Department spokesperson.

“Section five of the BPS terms and conditions set out the position in relation to afforestation measures.

As the BPS is an annual scheme, this change is included from 2020

“Prior to 2020, these conditions included a requirement for applicants who afforest part of their holding from 2009 onwards and who wish to benefit from the BPS to retain at least 10% of the eligible hectares declared in 2008 in an agricultural activity subject to a minimum of 3ha.”

This requirement is no longer included in the 2020 BPS terms and conditions.

As the BPS is an annual scheme, this change is included from 2020.

The spokesperson said this change was made to simplify the requirements of the scheme for farmers, and to offer them greater flexibility in managing their farming and forestry activity.

Positive development

IFA farm forestry chair Vincent Nally has welcomed changes.

“This is a very positive development as it will allow farmers to plant all their land or to lease the land they have not planted and still retain their BPS payment.

It should open up more land for afforestation

“The BPS changes recognise that forestry is a crop like any other crop or enterprise on the farm, and removes restrictions under the direct payment system so farmers can optimise income from their land,” Nally said.

Forestry companies also welcomed the move, with a spokesperson for one company adding: “It should open up more land for afforestation including a revised agroforestry scheme.