Farmers participating in the co-operation stream of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) have been urged to complete planting works early this spring.
ACRES Ireland has said that the weeks ahead present an ideal window to deliver on planting actions that improve biodiversity, build farm resilience and enhance the long-term value of their land.
Early spring is the best time for planting trees, new hedgerows, orchards and small woodlands and rejuvenating hedgerows through coppicing.
Any farmers with unfinished 2023 works plans are encouraged to take stock of their actions now and reach out early to their advisers or project officers for any guidance or clarification.
“This is a really positive time for farmers,” said chief operating officer with ACRES Ireland Caroline Sullivan, which covers Breifne, Munster/south Connacht and Leinster.
“The planting season is under way, conditions are reasonably good and there’s still time to complete meaningful work that delivers visible results on the ground. But it’s important to remember that the window for 2023 works closes on 31 March.”
Participants are particularly encouraged to prioritise planting-related actions such as:
New hedgerows and hedgerow rejuvenation. Tree planting. Orchards. Small woodlands. Farmers who are uncertain about timelines, specifications or any practical details are advised to contact their ACRES adviser or local project officer as soon as possible.
While the goal is to support high-quality outcomes, participants should be aware that 31 March 2026 is the final deadline for completing and claiming works under 2023 ACRES co-operation works plans.
After this date, unclaimed actions will no longer be eligible for payment.
“Acting early takes the pressure off and keeps the focus on quality,” Caroline added.
“Now is the time to make the most of favourable conditions and ensure no opportunity is missed and payment claims are made in good time”
Farmers participating in the co-operation stream of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) have been urged to complete planting works early this spring.
ACRES Ireland has said that the weeks ahead present an ideal window to deliver on planting actions that improve biodiversity, build farm resilience and enhance the long-term value of their land.
Early spring is the best time for planting trees, new hedgerows, orchards and small woodlands and rejuvenating hedgerows through coppicing.
Any farmers with unfinished 2023 works plans are encouraged to take stock of their actions now and reach out early to their advisers or project officers for any guidance or clarification.
“This is a really positive time for farmers,” said chief operating officer with ACRES Ireland Caroline Sullivan, which covers Breifne, Munster/south Connacht and Leinster.
“The planting season is under way, conditions are reasonably good and there’s still time to complete meaningful work that delivers visible results on the ground. But it’s important to remember that the window for 2023 works closes on 31 March.”
Participants are particularly encouraged to prioritise planting-related actions such as:
New hedgerows and hedgerow rejuvenation. Tree planting. Orchards. Small woodlands. Farmers who are uncertain about timelines, specifications or any practical details are advised to contact their ACRES adviser or local project officer as soon as possible.
While the goal is to support high-quality outcomes, participants should be aware that 31 March 2026 is the final deadline for completing and claiming works under 2023 ACRES co-operation works plans.
After this date, unclaimed actions will no longer be eligible for payment.
“Acting early takes the pressure off and keeps the focus on quality,” Caroline added.
“Now is the time to make the most of favourable conditions and ensure no opportunity is missed and payment claims are made in good time”
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