Greening 2017 ACA AGM March 2017

Greening Basic Rules 2016 Review 2017 2018 Green by Definition Crop Diversification Ecological Focus Areas 2016 Review 2017 2018

Green by Definition Where more than 75% of your eligible agricultural land is in permanent grassland or temporary grassland (or herbaceous forage), and your remaining tillage land is less than 30 hectares you will qualify for an exemption from greening. Therefore typical dairy, beef, drystock farmers are “Green by Definition” and receive Greening payment by virtue of the grassland on the holding. Grassland Obligation: >75% grass, but tillage area >30ha. Large dairy/beef operations growing crops – 82 farmers

Crop Diversification Under 10ha of Arable lands Exempt Between 10 ha - 30 ha of Arable Land 2 crops Over 30ha of Arable Land 3 crops Main Crop – not more than 75% - this applies to both 2 and 3 crop requirements Two main crops – not more than 95%

Ecological Focus Areas Farmers with 15 ha or less of arable land exempt. Farmers with more than 15ha of arable land must ensure that at least 5% of their arable land is an ecological focus area – known as EFAs.

Ecological Focus Areas Hedgerows 10m2 per linear metre Ditches/drains 6m2 per linear metre Buffer Strips 9m2 per linear metre Fallow land area (actual) Eligible Forestry area (actual) Protein Crops area – reduced to 0.7 ha for EFA Catch Crop area – reduced to 0.3 ha for EFA Short Rotation Coppice area – reduced to 0.3 ha for EFA Field Copse area (actual) Max 0.3

2016 Greening worked very well again in 2016 with a very small number of cases non compliant, so firstly thanks again to all agents and applicants who engaged in the process. Most cases have been paid with a small number (now less than 10) still having EFA Inspections finalised.

2016 110 EFA Cases 116 CD Cases 17 both EFA & CD Reduced payments have issued to the Following; 110 EFA Cases 116 CD Cases 17 both EFA & CD Most applicants have been notified, non compliance letters continue to issue, small number of appeals have been received particularly in relation to EFAs and are currently being examined.

2016 GLAS Equivalence. Share Farming; Increase from 2015, 65 ticked box, 45 valid applicants. Share Farming; Down slightly on 2015, 18 Share Farm Agreements with 56 individual herd numbers involved.

2016 – Catch Crops 239 Cases in 2016. A derogation re an extension on sowing date was possible on a case by case basis. Small number were inspected and most were ok.

2017 Penalties will apply to Non compliant Greening applicants for the first time 2017. The same penalties as BPS are applicable.

EFAs 2017 The most up to date position will be displayed on the Department’s Online System. Where a previously claimed arable parcel is claimed by a different applicant in 2017 the 2016 EFAs will be displayed. EFAs will be visible on the 2017 parcel maps due to issue early next month.

EFAs 2017

EFAs 2017 All applicants must again declare at least 5%. Grass Banks will not qualify as EFAs again in 2017. It was thought that the requirement would increase to 7% for 2017, this is not the case but may happen in 2018.

EFAs 2017 As in 2016 all EFAs must be claimed at parcel level. Ensure the minimum 5% is declared at application level, It will not be possible in 2017 to increase the EFAs above the claimed percentage after the amendment closing date Simplification has allowed to give credit for other EFA’s found at inspection Applicants should ensure the 2 meter buffer strip rule is adhered to.

Crop Diversification Same rules as 2016 regarding over 10 and 30 hectares cases. Category determined by MEA/Reference but payment based on claimed area. Be careful with temporary grass and fallow parcels, some applicants compliant at application stage became non compliant when the validations are run.

Crop Diversification Flooding damage Where crop failure due to flooding farmer can if they so wish declare the crop sown and not replant. Where they choose to replant keep in mind the crop areas with regard to compliance. In exceptional circumstances, and on a case by case basis, where for agronomic reasons the spring options are restricted, DAFM may consider force majeure.

CD Options 2017 Share Farming/GLAS Equivalence These options may suit some 2/3 crop applicants, we except both options to increase in 2017, requirements are the same as in 2016 and details can be found in the Guide to Greening and on the Departments Website.

Share Farming/GLAS Equivalence Option chosen must be applied for annually. If applicant was in a Share Farm Agreement in 2016 the must submit the relevant Share Farm Application and Share Farm Agreement again in 2017. GLAS Equivalence applicants in 2017 should apply using the application tick box on the Department’s Online System.

Greening v GLAS Potential Risk of Double Funding CD EFA Equivalence iNet generic system warnings e.g. WBC under GLAS and 3 crop farmer Reduction in Funding will be on the GLAS payment

2018 Increase in the 5% EFA, possibly up to 7%. Looking at the possibility of field margins. Ban on pesticides on crops used for EFAs.

Queries: 0761064441 or email: greening@agriculture.gov.ie

Thank You