Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES)

ACRES is an agri-environment climate scheme aimed to help address biodiversity decline. The Scheme includes payments for Rare Breeds (Connemara Pony; Irish Draught; Kerry Bog Pony) to eligible ACTIVE farmers. As this scheme has opened in tranches, check in with your agricultural advisor to determine the status of the scheme and whether it is opened or closed for new entrants.

To avail of rare breed payments proof of membership of the relevant breed society is required (Connemara Pony Breeders Society, Kerry Bog Pony Society, or a letter from Horse Sport Ireland relating to Irish Draughts).

Minimum stocking density 0.1 LU/ha is required. Payment rate of €200 / LU. (€160 / 0.8LU/ i.e. equine over 6 months). Breeding females producing a registered offspring above the basic eligibility requirements (similar to ANC) paid additional €75 per maternal LU equivalent for each progeny registered up to an overall maximum payment ceiling (General Measure max €7,311; Co-operation Measure max €10,500).

An approved ACRES Advisor must be engaged. If receiving payments under other environmental schemes, for example, the ECO scheme, only actions that are different can receive payments under ACRES.

Further information about the ACRES scheme can be found here

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