Farmers intending to use the soil sampling measure in the eco schemes under the next CAP should note that samples taken from October 2022 will qualify for an eco scheme in 2023.

Farmers can only use the soil sampling measure every three years, so if you intend to use the measure and need soil samples taken next year, they should be taken in or after October. Samples taken in September will not count.

Farmers may use the soil sampling measure in 2023 and again in 2026 and might possibly rotate this with another measure, such as crop rotation on tillage farms.

At the first of the Irish Farmers Journal CAP information series events last week, David Buckley of the Department of Agriculture explained that nine out of 10 farmers will meet the eco scheme requirements, as they have over 10% space for nature on their farm and this qualifies them for two eco schemes.

Payment

In order to receive the payment, farmers must adhere to two schemes. These include things such as soil sampling, planting trees, using GPS equipment to spread fertiliser or spray, planting 20% of land with a break crop and cutting down on nitrogen rates.

Farmers will be paid €77/ha for eco schemes under the new CAP in 2023 and land without entitlements will also be eligible for this payment.

The next information evening takes place on 3 November in the Dolmen Hotel, Co Carlow.

The Department of Agriculture and the Irish Farmers Journal will present on the night and show farmers how CAP will affect them and what they need to do in 2023.