Compo for land designated for ‘nature’ needs

FARMERS and landowners can now be compensated for losses incurred due to designation of lands as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or Special Protection Areas (SPAs), or for certain actions by Government agencies which are of benefit to nature.

The new five year Farm Plan Scheme for Designated Areas and Commonage will benefit land owners who do not wish to join REPS, and who farm lands in a SAC, SPA or commonage, and who experience restrictions or undertake measures above and beyond the requirements of Good Farming Practice or the Single Farm Payment.

Unlike the EU funded REPS, the Farm Plan Scheme is entirely funded by the Irish taxpayer.

The scheme will be administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Services of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which also specifies requirements on designated lands.

According to the Department, landowners will have substantial input into their plans, so that the needs of farming and wildlife can be addressed together.

Plans will be prepared by a professional planning team trained and approved by NPWS, and chosen by the landowner from a list of approved planners.

Generally, costs will be decided on a farm by farm basis.

But it may be possible to decide on a more generic rate of payment for actions and restrictions.

The new Farm Plan Scheme has been welcomed by IFA SAC Committee Chairman Martin Gavin, who said it was long overdue and its s absence has led to problems for farmers.