Keep an eye on your ACRES Plan
Type Media Article
Austin Callaghan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Claremorris
Many farmers will have received their payment for ACRES in recent days. Some are now at the end of year 2 (Tranche 1 applicants) and others are at the end of Year 1 (Tranche 2 applicants). This is a good time of year to have a look over your ACRES plan and check the actions and satisfy yourself that all is in order.
Some famers had ACRES inspections in recent weeks. 5% of the participants are inspected each year so over the period of the scheme it’s expected at least one quarter of the ACRES participants will be inspected. There is minimal notice given for these inspections. It’s always disappointing to see where the farmer hasn’t some works completed as required. In this event the farmer ends up getting penalised or worse still the payment for the action is lost for the 5 year period.
Planting a New Hedgerow, Trees and the Traditional Orchard.
Important actions to focus on is Tree Planting, Hedgerow Planting and planting the Traditional Orchard. In 2024 the end date for completion of all planting work was extended by 1 year to the 31st of March 2025 due to the difficulty in sourcing the hedgerow and trees plants. This is also the deadline for farmers in Tranche 2. So all planting work in ACRES must be completed by the 31st March 2025.
For the hedgerow, 5 plants per metre must be planted, so for example if you have 100 metres of hedgerow to plant you must plant a minimum of 500 plants. The 500 plants cannot be in 110 metres, as in this situation there are not 5 plants per metre and the hedgerow isn’t planted as specified. This can result in a penalty.
When sowing the hedgerow you can sow all whitethorn plants. This has changed from the ACRES specification of November 2022. However, it is recommended that you plant a number of species to enhance the hedgerow. Examples of other species include Guelder Rose, Holly or Hazel.
While the whitethorn plants should be native, non-native imported plants are allowed. It is recommended that native plants are sown. For all other plant species sown these must be native plants (plants that are of Irish provenance, grown from Irish seed). For all hedgerow, tree and traditional orchard plants you must have a plant passport. Keep this on file because you will need this if you are inspected over the next 3-4 years. The hedgerow will need to be managed well in the first 1 – 3 years after sowing so it grows and thickens. Every 50 metres leave a tree or allow a hedge plant to grow into a tree.
Planting trees in a Riparian Buffer Zone
Some of you may have opted to plant at least 10 trees in a Riparian Buffer Zone. This was a promoting action in that it promoted you to Tier 2. This was important when applying initially for ACRES in 2022 or 2023. These trees may appear not of huge significance. However, if these trees are not planted they could cost you an entire years ACRES payment. This is because you failed to carry out a promoting action and this is the sanction in this case. The trees must be native trees plants and you can only plant native Willow, Birch, Alder and Oak for this action. Plant at least 2 species. Retain the plant passports for future inspections and purchase from professional operators. All trees must be staked and protected with a specified tree guard. Trees in the zone must be sown in groups of 5-10 trees with 2.5 metres spacing between each tree. The groups should be at least 10 metres apart.
Tree Planting.
Famers may have selected this promoting action where 100 trees were planted. So take care that the trees are planted as specified. Other farmers may have selected this action where it’s not promoting. The list of suitable tree species is different from that for the Riparian Buffer Zone. At least 3 tree species must be planted and in addition to the above listed trees, other native trees to consider are Hazel, Whitebeam and Rowan. In this case trees must be planted 4 metres apart and a stake and a specified tree shelter must be in place.
The Traditional Orchard.
The 10 orchard trees must be sown in an area of 500 square metres. The trees must be 5 metres apart and again must be sown by 31st March 2025. The list of suitable trees is in the ACRES specification. Consult with your ACRES planner for additional advice on planting and fencing in any of these actions.
Take care, have a good Christmas and all the best in the year ahead.
