New incentive to fence off more than minimum area to help water quality

Actions that benefit water quality are eligible for BPS when located within a Priority Area for Action

This year, the allowance has been extended to all areas across the country, making the protection of water quality much more affordable. File Picture.  

For many years, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have been criticised for their rigid eligibility regulations relating to the Basic Payment Schemes (BPS).

The requirement for land to be in “good agricultural and environmental condition” has often required that marginal land has needed to be reclaimed, and/or drained, to maintain it as being eligible for payment, despite the detrimental effect this might have on the water quality or biodiversity.