Farmers in Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) co-operation are finding it very hard to get answers, advice or even clarity on their scores, according to the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA).

More local clinics where farmers can directly engage with advisers, query their results and receive guidance on landscape actions and non-productive investments (NPIs) has been demanded by the INHFA.

INHFA chair Micheál McDonnell highlighted significant problems with farmer engagement under ACRES at a recent meeting with the Department of Agriculture.

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Scorecards are often delayed and, when they do arrive, they lack essential information, McDonnell said.

"Farmers must receive scorecards promptly, with clear explanations for low scores and practical advice on how to improve. A holistic, transparent approach is needed," he argued.

Goals

While acknowledging the environmental goals of ACRES, McDonnell expressed serious concern over what he described as an imbalance in the system.

"There is an overwhelming emphasis on ecological criteria, with very little consideration for agricultural realities. Farmers are custodians of these lands and their management experience must be respected. We cannot have a bias against agricultural activity on lands that depend on it," he added.

He noted that common issues such as quad bike tracks - essential for an aging farming population to manage stock - should not be treated as major negative scoring factors.

The INHFA is seeking solutions for situations where illegal dumping occurs through no fault of the farmer.

"It is unacceptable that farmers are penalised financially for actions they did not cause. A proactive and fair system must be put in place immediately," McDonnell urged.

McDonnell also highlighted the low uptake of NPIs and landscape actions across CP areas, citing poor payment rates and rising material costs.

"NPIs should be paid for a minimum of two years or the payment rates must be increased. Costs rise every year, yet the scheme hasn’t kept pace," he said.

Burning permits

The INHFA has also raised alarm about the ongoing delays in issuing controlled burning permits.

"We have cases where ecologists approve burns, yet the NPWS still fails to issue permits. This is creating unmanageable land conditions and increasing the risk of wildfire. Farmers are being left powerless," McDonnell said.

He reiterated the principle behind the ACRES results-based payment system: "Lands that negatively impact environmental outcomes may justify a reduced payment, but high-scoring lands must deliver increased payments.

"Farmers were told that high-value, high-scoring land would be properly rewarded through a bonus payment once NPIs and landscape actions were in place. We expect that commitment to be honored," he said.