Drains and buffer strips 19% of EFAs in Ireland

Farmers at the recent Teagasc Crops & Cultivation 2017 event at Oak Park, Carlow, learned that hedgerows are the primary ecological focus area (EFA) on Irish tillage farms, accounting for 68% of eligible EFAs.

If a farmer has more than 15 hectares of arable land, he or she must declare at least 5% of EFAs on their arable land, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Drains make up 10% of EFAs in Ireland, buffer strips constitute 9%, and fallow land is only 2% of EFAs in Ireland.

Field margins are eligible under EU prescriptions but not under Irish regulations, despite occurring in over 80% of tillage farms.

Potential benefits of EFAs listed at the Carlow event are enhanced crop pest control (by natural predators); increased pollination of crops; decreased soil erosion; and prevention of soil nutrient leaching.

Other benefits include increased species diversity, and habitat and landscape diversity, and maintenance of wildlife corridors.

Maintenance of historical features and heritage, and the clean, green image of farming must also be taken into account.