Catch crops will be planted under ACRES, the Farming for Water programme and of farmers' own choice in the coming weeks. There are a few important things to remember, including planting dates, application dates and seed mixtures.
The seed mixtures and rates are the same for both ACRES and the Farming for Water Programme. However, the dates for planting are different. The dates are outlined below.
You must plant at least two species in a mix, check Table 1 for the species to plant and rates of seed.
Catch crops before winter crops
Over-winter catch crops
ACRES catch crop dates
Farming for water applications
If you were accepted into the Farming for Water Programme last year for cover crops then you are automatically entered for this year and next year.
You do not have to plant the full amount that you applied for. You will be paid for what you plant So; if you entered 15ha into the scheme and you only plant 10ha then you declare 10ha and will be paid for 10ha.
The scheme aims to plant crops into appropriate conditions and not to put pressure on farmers in difficult conditions.
Where farmers are submitting an application to the wider Farming for Water Programme, for example water pumps or a yard brush, they can also apply for the catch crop measure, but are not guaranteed entry into the catch crop measure.
SHARING OPTIONS