CAP changes to allow up to 50% scrub without penalty

There will be less pressure on farmers to clear scrub and spray rushes as the upper limit on features beneficial to water protection, climate or biodiversity (before reduction of eligible area kicks in) has been increased from 30% to 50%

The upper limit on features beneficial to water protection, climate or biodiversity (before reduction of eligible area kicks in) has been increased from 30% to 50%.

Next year, a farmer can have up to 50% of features such as scrub, trees, copses, woodland, habitat, or rock, without a reduction in the eligible area for payment.

This is one of the main changes in Ireland's version two of the CAP strategic plan submitted to Brussels.