New €1.5bn scheme to encourage farmers to pursue environmentally-friendly practices

Taoiseach Micheal Martin speaking at the announcement of the new national agri-environment scheme to be known as the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (Acres). Picture: Fennell Photography

A new €1.5bn scheme has been launched to pay farmers for environmentally-friendly farming practices. 

The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (Acres) will see up to 50,000 farmers eligible to apply for grants of up to €10,500, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying that the agriculture sector has a "crucial and inescapable role" to play in helping the country reach its climate change targets.