Reminder: Closing date for ACRES Non-Productive Investments applications
Participants in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) have been reminded that the deadline for the submission of applications for Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) this year is Friday, 17 October.
Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) are actions that are available to participants in the Co-operation approach of ACRES to address environmental issues on the farm, directly contribute to environmental objectives or increase the farmers capacity to improve field scores through management.
“While there are a number of weeks remaining within which applications may be submitted for NPIs, I want to ensure that all farmers in the ACRES Co-operation approach are aware of the closing date and to engage with their ACRES advisor in sufficient time if they wish to apply for NPIs this year,” said Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD when issuing the reminder.
Such NPI investments, he commented, help to enhance the environmental standard of participants land by may also positively impact their scores and, in turn, the level of their annual payment.
“Applications, in the form of NPI Annual Work plans, are prepared and submitted by ACRES advisors on behalf of ACRES co-operation participants, so I encourage those farmers who are thinking about applying for NPIs to engage with their ACRES advisor to explore that option as soon as possible,” Minister Heydon added.
Additionally, Minister Heydon noted that the system for the submission of claims in respect of the implementation of approved NPIs under the previous two applications is also open, with payments scheduled to commence in October.