Ireland’s Draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for 2023-2027 has included a proposal for a minimum stocking requirement as part of the active farmer check.
This will also be a factor in an eco-scheme which farmers must join to earn 25% of their direct payment. This remains an eligibility requirement for the disadvantaged areas scheme – the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme.
Active farmers defined For the CSP are those “engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity”, which will be based on a stocking rate requirement similar to ANC for grassland farms.
In the case where the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine cannot verify the stocking rate for active status of a grassland farmer from its databases, a farmer will have to select from a range of options on the Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS) application form in 2023.
These options could include making hay/silage, topping, other grazing livestock, plans to purchase livestock next year. Tillage farmers may be requested to provide evidence of the purchase of seed, fertiliser and plant protection products to prove their status.
The minimum stocking requirement check in the CSP will be similar to the current ANC check, and is expected that allowing equine animals for meeting the minimum stocking requirement will continue.
Final information on the minimum level to be applied and livestock coefficients applicable under the CSP will be made available in due course.
LSL News.