An application is being made to the European Commission to allow designated Natura 2000 lands to qualify for inclusion under eco-scheme measures in the next CAP.

The move would be a major boost for up to 35,000 farmers with designated lands.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the Department of Agriculture has applied to Brussels to allow Natura land to be used.

Ireland’s CAP package proposes that at least 7% of a farmer’s holding must be devoted to biodiversity, habitats or landscape features. This is termed the Space For Nature option.

Natura lands do not currently qualify for inclusion under this Space For Nature option, but the Department is now seeking leeway from Brussels on this matter.

The issue was raised at a recent CAP strategic plan meeting, where Department officials told farm representatives that the eligibility of designated ground for eco schemes was being discussed with the Commission.

A total of 13.56% of land is designated under Natura 2000, of which 564,000ha is farmed

It is thought that if the use of Natura lands is given the green light, that some co-efficient is likely to apply.

This would mean that two or three hectares of designated ground will equate to a hectare of non-designated land when calculating the 7% Space For Nature requirement.

The qualification of Natura lands under the Space For Nature measure would represent a significant boost for farmers.

Charlie McConalogue announced a significant extension to the eco scheme measures, increasing the number of available actions

A total of 13.56% of land is designated under Natura 2000, of which 564,000ha is farmed (59%). Close to 35,000 farmers, or almost one-third of the country’s total, farm Natura land.

Last week the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue announced a significant extension to the eco scheme measures, increasing the number of available actions.

This was in response to lobbying on the part of farm organisations.

A quarter of farmers’ Pillar I payments, or more than €295m, will be allocated under the eco-scheme measures.