Environment scheme could benefit 10,000 participants, claims Smith

THE new agri-environment scheme will benefit up to 10,000 participants and will provide a maximum payment of €5,000, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith has revealed.

He said the scheme is focused on the priority areas of biodiversity, climate change and water management. It offers a menu of measures to address these priorities.

Farmers may choose measures that complement the environmental profile of their farms.