Clover swards funding likely to be available next year

FUNDING for clover swards is likely to become available to grassland farmers next year in the agri-environmental scheme which will replace REPS.

It is intended to promote and encourage incorporation of clover into grassland, to reduce dependency on fertilisers, according to proposals sent to the European Commission by the Department of Agriculture.

Use of trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading is also likely to qualify for aid, and mixed cattle and sheep grazing was also proposed as one of the actions which would attract funding. Only actions that address challenges such as climate change, generation of renewable energy, water management and biodiversity will be aided — one of the conditions for the modulation funding included in the new scheme.