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.