THE way has now been cleared for ACRES farmers in co-operation zones to be included in the Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) part of the scheme which will mostly apply to the Connemara area and parts of South Galway.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue confirmed in a statement last week the availability of the NPIs following the drawing up of a proposed list of those areas.

Connemara’s IFA National Hill Farming Chair, Caillin Conneely, said last week that with the list of NPIs and Landscape Actions still not open, farmers in the co-operation zones could be losing out on €3,500 in payments.

He added that farmers with land that had been ‘scored’ for ACRES (Agri Climate Rural Environmental Scheme) needed to be given assurances that ‘all would be verified and cleared for payment’ on time in November.

“Hill farmers have already been hit by close on a month’s delay in ANC (Areas of Natural Constraint) which was completely unacceptable.

“The store lamb trade is on its knees; costs remain stubbornly high with some still rising; and many people simply won’t be able to cope if ACRES or other payments don’t come on time. We need clarity, resolution and further targeted Budget ‘24 interventions here quickly,” said Caillin Conneely.

Last Friday, Minister McConalogue issued a statement which he confirmed that ACRES advisors ‘will shortly be able to apply’ for NPIs on behalf of participants in Co-operation Project (CP) areas.

Pictured: Caillin Conneely: Farmers could lose up to €3,500.