Funding for biodiversity friendly farming cut back

BUDGETARY constraints have led the Department of the Environment to curtail the Farm Plan Scheme run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The scheme operates as an alternative to REPS, with participating farmers entering a five-year contract, and paid for actions favouring biodiversity in Natura 2000 sites, NHAs and commonages.

Since 2006, 622 farm plans have been approved, with an annual budget of €5 million, funded by the exchequer.