Grazing catch crops ruled out for many

For example, to feed five hectares of kale will require at least five hectares of lie-back - a condition that farm organisations say is "excessive".

For example, to feed five hectares of kale will require at least five hectares of lie-back - a condition that farm organisations say is "excessive".

The agriculture minister has been called to intervene as the Department this week rules out grazing catch crops on a specialised tillage farm this winter unless the farm has an adjoining grassland area of equal size as a lie-back area.

Conditionality changes in the new 2023 CAP require an adequate lie-back area which is always accessible to grazing livestock to minimise any damage that could lead to the erosion of soil.