Farmers call for clarity on ACRES 'gap' support

There is an expected intake of 30,000 participants in this tranche of ACRES, leaving the rest who applied "in limbo".

Agri-environmental scheme payments make up a "substantial part" of family farm income each year, particularly for low-income drystock farmers, the IFA said.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said this week that his department is continuing to explore possible options to support all the 46,000 farmers who applied for the new agri-environmental scheme ACRES late last year.

Speaking after Mr McConalogue confirmed this at the Irish Farmers' Association's farming and climate summit in Thomond Park, IFA rural development chair Michael Biggins said this was positive, however, clarity is needed on how farmers will be supported.