10 October 2023

Non-Productive Investments list under ACRES published

The availability of Non-Productive Investments for participants in the Co-operation approach of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) has been announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D.

Confirming that ACRES Advisors will shortly be able to apply for Non-Productive Investments (NPI’s) on behalf of participants in Co-operation Project (CP) areas, the Minister said: “The inclusion of a specific approach in identified high environmental priority areas across the country, namely the ACRES Co-operation approach, was a major development in the design of ACRES.

“While participants in those areas can earn up to €7,000 each year based on an assessment of the environmental quality of their lands, there is also an opportunity to enhance their lands through access to further funding for NPIs.

“I am pleased to advise that a proposed list of NPIs has been drawn up by the ACRES CP teams in conjunction with my Department. These NPIs are an integral part of the ACRES scheme that will help farmers better manage their lands. Such investment may in turn result in higher scores being achieved for their lands, which should consequently increase their annual results-based payment.”

The proposed list of NPI’s, which is subject to completion of a Scheme- level Appropriate Assessment process, is now available on the Department’s website, with the associated draft specifications to be available shortly.

To support advisors with the NPI application process, and to ensure that the right action is undertaken in the right place, the Minister added: “My Department will shortly be providing training to ACRES advisors in respect of the deployment of NPIs. The ACRES CP teams within the eight CP zones are also available to help advisors through the process.”

It is intended that the system for applying for NPIs for ACRES participants in the CP zones will open later this month. Comprehensive information in relation to ACRES is available on the Department’s website.