cap consultative committee meeting

CAP Consultative Committee meeting 20 May 2021

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2 Rialtas na hÉireann | Government of Ireland

Running Order

3:45 - Start and EU update 4:00 - Apiculture 4:05 - AECM including training 4:15 - Organics 4:20 - On farm investment 4:25 - Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme 4:35 - Dairy Beef 4:45 - LEADER 4:50 - BISS 4:55 - Young Farmer Scheme 5:00 - Definitions 5:10 - Conditionality 5:20 - Eco-schemes 5:30 - Discussion

National Apiculture Programme Declan Harty - Horticulture and Plant Health Division

Date – 20/05/2021

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Rationale for the intervention

Ireland’s Needs Assessment and consultation with beekeeping stakeholders, identified the

need for baseline figures, training that takes into account the latest research findings and

support for the dissemination of research findings.

Related Specific Objectives

Art.6(i) improve the response of EU agriculture to societal demands on food and health,

including safe and, nutritious and sustainable food produced in a sustainable way, food

waste, as well as animal welfare.

Art.6(a) support viable farm income and resilience across the Union to enhance food

security;

Art.6(b) enhance market orientation and increase competitiveness, including greater focus

on research, technology and digitalisation;

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Description of intervention

The new 5 year National Apiculture Programme will build on the current National Apiculture Programme 2019 – 2022, which is being undertaken by UCD. This programme aims to benefit all of the over 4,400 beekeepers in Ireland. Funding will be provided to a single institution that will undertake the research and dissemination of this information, following an open call for proposals from suitable research institutions. Proposals will need to demonstrate a strong emphasis on dissemination of findings to beekeepers and the wider scientific community. The Programme may support the following: • National surveillance programme testing for the prevalence of selected bee diseases and pests that affect colony loss in hives across Ireland • Research into other potential reasons for bee colony loss, including other pathogens and climate change, may also be undertaken. • Recruitment of a part time advisor to communicate research results and contribute to and support educational programmes by the beekeeping associations in Ireland. • Cooperation with specialised bodies in the field of beekeeping and apiculture products including participation in the COLOSS Network. Proposals will be reviewed by a Panel of Experts. DAFM will then decide on the programme to be funded.

Agri-environment climate measure (AECM) for CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027

Josephine Brennan - AES Division - 20 May 2021

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It is proposed there will be a national agri-environment climate measure

(AECM) in the CAP Strategic Plan to address a range of environmental, climate

as well as biodiversity related objectives and needs – as follows:

• Objective 1 Farm income • Objective 4 Climate change

• Objective 5 Natural resources – water, soil & air

• Objective 6 Biodiversity, habitats, landscape

• Objective 9 Protect food & health quality

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Framework for delivery

One national agri-environment climate measure – with 2 menus of options available to farmers:-

Menu A General AECM •Suite of general measures with some higher priority targeting

Menu B •General AECM measures •with additional bespoke farm/landscape measures •with a Local Project Team assisting to implement the scheme at local level

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AECM Menu A •Propose a new Hybrid Model-

•A combination of prescription based (fixed rate of payment)

•& results based (level of payment dependent on result achieved) measures

•Prescription based measures-

•Focusing on habitat enhancement/creation

•Higher priority targeting

•Results based measures -

• Low Input Grassland & Multi-species Ley– building on the Results Based Environment Agri

Pilot Programme (REAP)

http://www.google.ie/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiM9OTnkb7gAhUCu3EKHcbMCLQQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http://adlib.everysite.co.uk/adlib/defra/content.aspx?doc=262581&id=262706&psig=AOvVaw0XDhSDnThxRfOn5gAapJiO&ust=1550333779288194

https://www.areusdev.com/wp-content/uploads/develop_04.png

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Description of Menu B option

Structure: •Menu B will have the same list of actions available to them as Menu A under Article 65.

•In addition Menu B farmers will also have the benefit of landscape Co-operation Measures under Article 71.

•Local Project Teams will assist the farmer to implement the scheme at local level.

•Non productive investments - Article 68. •Results based approaches will be used where appropriate and will use action based options when necessary to help improve habitat scores.

AECM Proposed Measures

Target areas – Climate, Biodiversity, Water quality

•Habitat enhancement/creation •Food for birds/insects •Hedgerows/Tree planting •Arable-based habitats •Water quality •Soil health •Heritage •Genetic resources •Protection and management of semi natural habitats •High Priority Conservation measures – uplands, birds, natura •Results based elements – grassland, commonage/upland •Preparation of Farm Sustainability Plan

Measures with Co-Benefits

http://www.google.ie/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiM9OTnkb7gAhUCu3EKHcbMCLQQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http://adlib.everysite.co.uk/adlib/defra/content.aspx?doc=262581&id=262706&psig=AOvVaw0XDhSDnThxRfOn5gAapJiO&ust=1550333779288194

Rationale for Training on Agri-Environment Climate Measure (AECM) To educate and inform AECM participants about agri-environment climate issues and train them on scheme actions to address such issues Structure: At least two training courses with attendance at the first to be mandatory Information on some/certain actions will also be made available by means of online videos Content: 1st course to include: Green Architecture model & constituent elements environmental, biodiversity, water quality & climate challenges Health and safety, and information on the actions, records, inspections etc 2nd course – ongoing management, issues, developments

AECM Training

Organic Farming Scheme

2023 - 2027

May 2021

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Rationale for Organic Farming Scheme

Programme for Government target, Farm to Fork, Needs Assessment

1.6% of UAA – 74,000 Hectares

2,127 Registered Organic Operators

1,700 Organic Producers

1,530 OFS Participants

Retail Market Value - €189 million

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Overview of Proposed Scheme

Pillar 2 Scheme Aim - Increase area but prioritise areas in deficit Duration - Five Year Scheme 2 years in-conversion 3 years maintenance Eligibility Requirement - Completion of FETAC level 5 Course in

Organic Farming & Organic licence

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Overview of Proposed OFS cont’d

Minimum Stock Density

Revision of RASS - Prioritisation of total conversion over partial conversion Prioritisation of mixed farms Achieving sectoral balance Young Farmers Intensive Farmers Adjusted Payment Rates Indicators - Increase in UAA under organic production No of participants

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Relationships to other layers in Green

Architecture

Proposed priority access to AECM

Consideration of Interaction with Eco-Schemes and Agro-

Forestry to maximise synergies

Cap Strategic Plan On Farm Investment - Capital investments

Oliver Molloy

AES Division

20 May 2021

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Legislative Provision - Article 68 and Article 6 of draft CAP Strategic Plan (‘CSP’) regulation Article 68 Draft Regulations - the provisions are subject to the trilogue negotiations. Obj. 1 – Viable farm income to enhance food security ~ Need 3 Obj. 2 – greater focus on research, technology and digitalisation ~Need 1 Obj. 4 – climate change and mitigation and adaptation ~Needs: 1, 2, 4, 5 Obj. 5 – sustainable development & mgmt of natural resources such as water, soil & air ~ Needs: 1, 2, 3 Obj. 6 - biodiversity, habitats, landscapes ~ Need 1 Obj. 7 – Attract and sustain Young Farmers ~ Need 2 Obj. 8 – Employment, growth, development in rural areas ~ Needs 1, 5 Obj. 9 – Animal Welfare and safe nutritious and sustainable food – Needs 1, 2 Policy context : Programme for Gov, AgClimatise, Strategy for the Development of the Organic Sector 2019-2025, EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, Green Deal Target

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Structure: Grant aid provided for investments which may support

• Environmental investments

• Animal Welfare,

• Nutrient Storage,

• Tillage Farmers,

• Young Farmers,

• Organics,

• Farm Safety

Process (similar to TAMS II): Online system for receipt of applications, tranche-

based system to be implemented, the scheme will operate in rolling tranches,

Ranking and Selection will be included

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Description of intervention Eligibility:

•Must be an active Farmer, aged eighteen years or over, be the holder of an active Herd

number/ flock/tillage or department identifier and have declared a minimum of 5 hectares (1

hectare for horticulture producers) of “eligible land” owned and/or leased or rented which

have been declared under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) in the year of

application or preceding year. Must also comply with requirements on planning permission

and tax clearance.

•For young farmers - aged no more than 40 at any time during the calendar year in which

s/he submits an application and meet the conditions for being ‘head of the holding’ and the

requirements for the appropriate training and/or skills.

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/f16b22-basic-payment-scheme/

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Elements awaiting decisions

•Grant rates of 40% - 60% proposed. Proposal to retain

investment ceilings at current level with separate ceiling for LESS

equipment. Dependent on overall budget.

•Rates for maximum support still to be finalised after they are

agreed via trilogue process.

•Eligibility of Young Farmers also to be agreed via trilogue

process.

Suckler Carbon and Environment Measure Valerie Woods MMPD

May 2021

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The current overarching policy objectives of Foodwise 2025 are to increase economic and environmental sustainability within the sector. Policy context: • PFG “Ensure that the challenges beef farmers have been dealing with are

recognised and supported under the next CAP.” • CSP Objective 4 - Contribute to climate change mitigation and adaption, as

well as sustainable energy. • AgClimatise: Action 3 – Genotype the entire national herd by 2030 to

underpin the development of enhanced dairy and beef breeding programs that help achieve a reduction in our overall GHG output at a national level.

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Structure of the Scheme: It is proposed to have two measures within the Scheme. Both will operate on a 5-year contract basis. Measure A: for those participants who completed the entire duration of the previous BDGP contract. The duration period refers to the original BDGP excluding the transitional period. Measure B: for those participants who were not previously in BDGP or where they were in BDGP did not complete the entire duration of the contract. The duration period refers to the original BDGP excluding the transitional period. The four mandatory actions within the Scheme. The actions are the same for Measure A and B but with different targets. All these four actions must be undertaken by the participant in each year of the contract. Separately, there are three complementary actions, that participants can opt to select if they so wish. If they select one or both of these complementary actions, they must be undertaken in each year of the contract. The complementary actions are the same for Measure A and B.

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Description of intervention (cont.)

Mandatory Actions

Action 1 Replacement Strategy

Action 2 Genotyping

Action 3 Weighing

Action 4 Data Recording/Carbon Capture

Complementary Actions

Action 5 Meal Feeding/Vaccination

Action 6 Forage Quality

Action 7 Faecal Egg Testing

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• Targets will be based on an historical reference year which will provide a ceiling for payment, but

there will be scope to reduce numbers without penalty

.

• Given the scale of farm deaths caused by livestock, every participant will be required to attend a

half day livestock handling course before the end of year 2. Where a participant is in the Dairy

Beef Welfare Scheme, they will only be entitled to this payment in one of the Schemes only.

Dairy Beef Welfare Measure RD intervention – Art 65 Conor O’Mahony

MMPD

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• Cion have identified need to improve viability of

male calves from the dairy herd to provide an

option to integrate into locally based production

systems

• Builds on Dairy Beef Pilot launched in 2021

• Implements some of the actions identified in

AgClimatise for dairy sector

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• Clear link between high calf mortality and low value calves from the dairy herd

• Use of sexed semen and genotyping aim to reduce the number of low value calves born

• Use of high DBI beef bulls will improve the quality of calves born in the dairy herd and facilitate greater integration into the national beef herd

• Liveweight can be an important indicator of welfare • Targeted parasite control and forage analysis can improve

welfare through better use of anthelminthics and better quality diets

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• Application at start of scheme period, automatically

renewable annually

• Scheme consists of two measures + training course x 2: • 1) Young calf measure (only dairy farmers eligible)

• 2) Growing calf measure (both dairy farmers with a beef enterprise and beef farmers eligible)

•17,000 eligible participants for measure 1

•17,000 (dairy herds) + 83,000 (non dairy bovine herds)

eligible participants for measure 2

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1) Young calf measure

-applicants must choose at least one action form

category A and one action from category B Category A Sexed Semen

Genotyping

Category B High DBI A.I.

Beef Stock Bull

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2) Growing calf measure

-applicants must choose at least one action form

category A and one action from category B

Category A Calf Weighing of < 1-year olds

Weighing of Dairy Beef Animals

< 2 years old

Category B Parasite Control

Forage Quality

LEADER Programme Daniel Curran

20th May 2021

DAFM CAP Consultative Committee

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Rationale for the intervention Background

• Core concept behind the LEADER initiative is the Community-Led Local Development approach to rural development and that development

strategies are more effective and efficient if decided and implemented at local level by local actors. Evaluation and project approval occurs at

a local level ( Local Action Groups)

Objective 8 of the CAP Strategic Plans:

• Promote employment, growth, gender equality, social inclusion and local development in rural areas, including bio-economy and sustainable

forestry.

EU Commission Recommendation:

• Increase social inclusion in rural communities by supporting improvements in basic services and their accessibility

SWOT & Needs Analysis

• Addresses a number of the objectives under the Needs Assessment

Expected Impact:

• Continued focus on supporting support private enterprises and communities to improve quality of life and economic activity in rural areas.

• Creating and sustaining employment in rural Ireland with a focus on social inclusion and climate change mitigation.

• LEADER is key rural development tool for supporting the economic and social development of rural communities, by providing the

resources necessary for communities to support their own development and create capacity at local level.

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Description of intervention • Article 71 – Co-operation :

• Article 71 (1)(b) prepare and implement LEADER, referred to as community-led-local development.

• Delivery of the LEADER Programme in line with CLLD regulations and requirements.

• Delivery in defined sub-regional areas across Rural Ireland.

• Undergo a selection process in line with EU Regulations for the selection of the Local Development Strategies and the LAGs

including a two stage process similar to the 2014-2020 Programme.

Themes

• The objectives of the LEADER measure is to fund initiatives emerging from a CLLD approach at a local level that aims to address

the needs of individual sub-regional areas

• Each LDS will be required to examine the potential of the below themes within the LDS process and in the context of an integrated

regional and local planning approach.

• There will also be a requirement for the Smart Villages concept, climate change mitigation and the Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs) to be over-arching elements of LEADER Local Development Strategies/Interventions.


• The Green Economy

• Agricultural

Diversification

• Rural Tourism

• Enterprise Development

• Rural Food Production

• Social Enterprise

• Rural Infrastructure

• Accessible Services

• Optimising Digital

Connectivity

• Rural Youth

• Sustainable Development

of Rural Environment

• Climate Change Capacity

Building

• Climate Change Mitigation

Description of intervention Enterprise & Job

Creation

Community Infrastructure

& Social Inclusion

Sustainable Development of

Rural Environment and

Climate Change Mitigation

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CROSS-CUTTING OBJECTIVES WITHIN EACH

LDS:

↓ CLIMATE CHANGE

↓ SMART VILLAGES

↓ INNOVATION

↓ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

GOALS

Sustainable

Development of Rural

Environment and

Climate Change

Mitigation

Enterprise & Job

Creation

Community

Infrastructure & Social

Inclusion

Enterprise & Job

Creation

Community

Infrastructure & Social

Inclusion

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Description of intervention (cont.) Eligibility of Interventions:

• Individual projects will be eligible if they contribute to achieving the aims and objectives of the LDS and correspond to the

objectives and priorities indicated for support in the CAP Strategic Plan.

• Preparation and implementation of co-operation activities of the local action.

• Support for running costs and animation

Rate of Aid:

• In line with the aid intensity rates provided for in the legal framework and relevant State Aid limitations.

• The possibility of aid intensity rates of up to 100% (TBC) will be available for certain interventions funded under the LEADER

elements of the CAP Strategic Plan

• Ireland will require an element of co-financing of individual operations by public and/or private investors for most approved

operations, in order to promote community ownership of the funded projects

• Detail on specific aid intensity rates available for particular types of projects will be clarified in the detailed operating rules that

accompany the LEADER elements of the CAP Strategic Plan

Basic Income Support for Sustainability Decoupled Direct Payment – Article 14(2)(a)

Brian Alcock

May 2021

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Rationale for the intervention • Mandatory intervention in the CSP • Direct income support to underpin continued

sustainability and viability • Direct payments 78% of FFI – supporting farm incomes

– Objective 1 and Need 1 • Successor to the BPS • PfG commits to improving farm incomes and protecting

family farms • A number of key regulatory provisions remain to be

finalised

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• Online application building on the BPS structure

• Required to apply each year, declaring their land,

hold an eligible hectare for each entitlement.

• Article 15(a) sets out minimum requirements –

minimum area or minimum value (value for BPS)

• Genuine farmer requirement TBC

• 123k – 127k eligible applications each year

• Linked to definitions such as eligible hectare

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Payments based on

- Entitlements held for each eligible hectare. Value of

entitlements varies and are based on historical model.

- Convergence will alter entitlement values over the course of

programming period – convergence decisions TBC

- Entitlements can be traded, sold, gifted and inherited.

- Baseline set by requirement to meet all the elements of

GAEC and SMRs

- Linked to eligibility definitions and requirement to have

agricultural area and carry out an agricultural activity.

Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers Direct Payments – art. 27

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1. The intervention is designed to encourage and facilitate educated young farmers setting up for

the first time as the head of an agricultural holding solely or jointly

2. As noted in the SWOT analysis and Needs Assessment, there is an opportunity to build on the

current suite of supports for educated young farmers to enhance the future competitiveness of

the agri-food sector and help guarantee food supplies and rural sustainability into the future.

Attracting young farmers into the sector also helps to address the issue of an ageing farming

population.

3. The intervention is designed to provide support to educated young farmers entering the

agriculture sector in the early years immediately following the young farmer setting up as head of

the holding solely or jointly. The intervention will also provide certainty in terms of the level of

income support for eligible applicants for up to 5 years, which is an important factor in financial

planning in respect of the business. Support under CISYF builds on the support available under

the Young Farmers Scheme from 2015 to present which saw ~8200-8700 successful applicants

paid ~€19.6m per year. The numbers in 2020 are significantly lower however due to the end of

the 5 year period for those who started in 2015 (c. 5000 applicants paid ~€11m)

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•Annual application (initial and then continued)

•Continued support for those who have already/will

commence their 5 year programme

•Continuity from existing supports

•Good acceptance of distribution of funds

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•Aged no more than 40 years of age at any time during the calendar year in which s/he first submits an application under CISYF;

•Is setting up a holding as head of the holding, solely or jointly, for the first time or has set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of an application under CISYF;

•Has successfully completed a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at Level 6 or equivalent on the National Framework of Qualifications;

•Entitled to payment under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) as provided for at Article 17 of the CSP regulation.

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•Finalisation of regulatory provision and subsequent

DAFM decisions on

• Minimum % for generational renewal

• How the % allocation for generational renewal will be accounted for (i.e. link to P2)

• Eco scheme and all other DP ceiling decisions

Article 4 – Draft Definitions in the CSP Thomas Harty

20 May 2021

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What are the Definitions

Six important definitions in Article 4 of the Draft CSP

1. Agricultural Activity

2. Agricultural Area

3. Arable Area

4. Permanent Crops

5. Permanent Grassland, and

6. Eligible Hectare

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General Comments

1. In general no issue with the definitions – however

the method of implementation is the critical factor

2. Council Agreed Approach in many cases is quite

similar to the definitions in the current CAP.

3. Objective of revising definitions is to ensure as

much coherence as possible between P1 and P2.

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Agricultural Activity

Agricultural Activity – no issue with the Council

Agreed Approach.

- There must be an agricultural activity on a parcel

for it be considered eligible, and

- The agricultural activity must result in the

maintenance of the agricultural area.

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Agricultural Area

Agricultural Area – no issue with the Council Agreed

Approach.

This sub-divides into “arable land”, “permanent crops”

and “permanent grassland”.

No issue, other than to specifically include “rushes”

within “permanent grassland definition”.

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Eligible Hectare

Agricultural Area Yes Then Eligible

Agricultural Activity Yes

Agricultural Area No Then NOT Eligible

Agricultural Activity Yes

Agricultural Area No Then NOT Eligible

Agricultural Activity No

Agricultural Area Yes Then NOT Eligible

Agricultural Activity No

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Eligible Hectare

In IE, an eligible hectare shall consist of any Agricultural Area that, for during the year for

which support is requested, is used for an Agricultural Activity or, where the area is also

used for non-agricultural activities, is predominantly used for agricultural activities, and which

is at the farmer's disposal.

From 1 January 2023, IE proposes to allow up to 30% of a parcel to consist of features

that may be beneficial to climate and biodiversity to be considered eligible and to

draw down a BISS payment on. This will ensure that for areas of scrub, or other non

agricultural features e.g. habitats, copse etc., up to 30%, a farmer would not have to remove

them, to allow them draw down a BISS payment, Eco Scheme, or any other Pillar 2 area

based payments where such payments were based on “eligible” area.

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Eligible Hectare

We estimate implementing the “up to 30% features that may be beneficial to climate and

biodiversity” will bring in an additional 55,000 (approximately) hectares.

This equates to c.1 % of what could be considered high diversity landscape features in the

context of the Green Deal Strategy.

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Eligible Hectare

Percentage Additional Eligibility (ha)

30 55,000

35 65,000

40 69,000

Total Digitised 5,216,946.95 ha

Total Maximum Eligible Area (MEA) 4,795,528.91 ha

Total Parcels 1,370,049

Parcels MEA < 0 (Buildings etc.) 338,296

Parcels MEA > 0 1,031,753

Parcels - No Exclusions 541,016

Parcels - Exclusions 490,737

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Eligible Hectare

These “scrub and habitat areas” would not however be designated “landscape features” and

therefore the farmer would be free to remove them, if they so wished.

One draft piece of text within the draft CSP regs currently would allow Member States

“where duly justified for environment or climate related reasons, to decide that eligible

hectares – also include areas used for agricultural activities only every second year”.

This may be a useful provision to have the flexibility to use if required, if it is included in the

final text of the CSP.

Further consideration and discussion would be required on whether agricultural parcels with

no agricultural activity could be considered eligible where duly justified for environment or

climate related reasons.

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To Conclude

• Current Regs are still draft so we will have to wait

the finalised CSP Regs including the Article 4

definitions.

•To avoid potential audit issues down the line, we will

be clearly spelling out in the CSP, what Ireland will

be doing in terms of land eligibility.

Conditionality ICD

DAFM

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Conditionality Conditionality relates to the following specific areas: (a) the climate and the environment; (b) public health, animal health and plant health; (c) animal welfare Implemented using two mechanisms: Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) – these refer to the legislative requirements concerning the environment, food safety, animal and plant health and animal welfare. These requirements are laid down in legislation and are thus applicable to all farmers and not just those participating in CAP interventions. Good Environmental and Environmental Condition (GAEC) -these refer to a range of standards concerning soil, climate change mitigation, habitats and water. GAEC’s – MS to specify applicable standards based on farm size, farm structures, the specific characteristics of the areas concerned, including soil and climatic condition, existing farming systems and land use (Article 12 CSP Regulation)

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Conditionality

Conditionality lays down the legislative requirements and minimum standards that farmers in receipt of CAP

payments must comply with.

- Replaces cross compliance in current CAP

- Cross compliance 13 SMRs and 7 GAEC

- Commission proposal for conditionality – 16 SMRs and 10 GAECs

- Current (Council) CAP text – 10 SMRs and 9 GAEC

- Compliance checks (inspections)

- Penalty for non-compliance

Conditionality includes:

SMRs from current CAP

New SMRs

GAEC from the current CAP

New GAECs (including Greening rules form the current CAP)

No “back-sliding” – Art 92 of CSP

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Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) Requirements Main objective of the standard Is this in the current CAP? DAFM’s comments and implementation

SMR 1 Water Framework Directive Maintain and enhance

water quality

SMR 1 of cross compliance

• Future checks may include holdings likely to be

abstracting in excess of 25m3 of water per day

SMR 2 Nitrates Directive

Maintain and enhance

water quality

SMR 1 of cross compliance Nitrates Review has commenced. It will not be finished

until June-September 2021and changes in the Nitrates

Regulations may impact Conditionality and indirectly

impact on other elements of the Green Architecture.

SMR 3 Special protection areas (SPAs) Protection and

conservation of wild

birds

SMR 2 of cross compliance No change (NPWS responsible for designations)

SMR 4 Special areas of conservation

(SACs)

Conservation and

protection of habitats

and biodiversity

SMR 3 of cross compliance No change (NPWS responsible for designations)

SMR 5 Regulation on food safety

Consumer protection SMR 4 of cross compliance No change

SMR 6 Directive on the use of

substances having a hormonal or

thyrostatic action and beta-

agonists

Ban on certain growth

promoting substances


• No change

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five



{SMR 7 IDR - pigs

Identification of pigs SMR 6 of cross compliance

Deleted from Council text

SMR 8 IDR - bovines

Identification bovine

animals



SMR 9 IDR – ovine and caprine

Identification of ovines

and caprines



SMR 10 Control of TSEs

Notification and

prevention of TSEs



SMR 11 Regulation on certain animal

diseases

Notification of exotic

animal diseases:

-Foot and mouth

-Swine vesicular

-Blue tongue

New Deleted from Council text

SMR 12 Regulation on PPPs

Marketing and use of

plant protection

products (PPP).


No change

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five



SMR 13 Directive on the sustainable use

of pesticides

Sustainable use of

plant protection

products (PPP)

New

(some of the requirements already

checked during inspections but no

penalties currently apply)

Continue with the current checks under Cross

Compliance/PCD and introduce penalty system for

non-compliance.

SMR 14 Directive - protection of calves Welfare of calves SMR 11 of cross compliance

No change.

SMR 15 Directive - protection of pigs Welfare of pigs SMR 12 of cross compliance

No change

SMR 16 Directive - protection of animals

kept for farming purposes.

General welfare of

farmed animals


No change

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five


Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAECs)

Main objective of the standard Is this included in the

current CAP?

DAFM’s comments and possible implementation

GAEC 1 Maintenance of permanent

grassland

General safeguard against

conversion to other agricultural

uses to preserve carbon stock

This provision for the

maintenance of permanent

grassland is already in the

current CAP under Article

45 (2) of Regulation

1307/2013

New GAEC - already implemented in the current

CAP.

GAEC 2 Appropriate Minimum

protection of wetland and

peatland at the latest by

2025

Protection of carbon-rich soils New May include:

Prohibit conversion of lands currently in

permanent grassland (PG) to arable

Appropriate definitions of peatlands and wetlands

are being considered.

GAEC 3 Ban on burning arable

stubble, except for plant

health reasons

Maintenance of soil organic

matter

GAEC 6 of cross

compliance

Existing GAEC - no change

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five



Main objective of the standard Is this included

in the current

CAP?


GAEC 4 Establishment of buffer strips

along water courses

Protection of river

courses against

pollution and run-off

GAEC 1 of cross

compliance

(also covered in

SMR 1 of cross

compliance)

Existing GAEC that is currently implemented through SMR 1, so Nitrates

Review may have an impact.

Issue: width of buffer strip

GAEC 5 Use of Farm Sustainability

Tool for Nutrients

Sustainable

management of

nutrients

New New GAEC - deleted by Council and EP

GAEC 6 Tillage management or other

appropriate cultivation

techniques to limit reducing

the risk of soil degradation,

including taking into account

the slope consideration

gradient

Minimum land

management

reflecting site specific

conditions to limit

erosion

GAEC 5 of cross

compliance

(also covered in

SMR 1 of cross

compliance))

Existing GAEC - Nitrates Review may have an impact.

Requirements:

Prohibited ploughing periods and bare soil

Body Level One

Body Level Two

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Body Level Five




current CAP?


GAEC 7 No bare Minimum soil cover in

period(s) and areas that are

most sensitive period(s)

Protection of soils in

period(s) and areas that are

most sensitive winter

GAEC 4 of cross

compliance

(also covered in SMR 1

of cross compliance –

ploughing)

Requirements:

• Avoid bare soils in vulnerable periods

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five




current CAP?


GAEC 8 Crop rotation or other practices

aiming at preserving the soil

potential, such as crop

diversification

Preserve the soil potential Article 44 of Regulation

1307/2013

New GAEC (currently part of Greening)

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five




current CAP


GAEC 9 Minimum share 5% of

agricultural area arable land at

holding level devoted to:

(i) non-productive areas and

features or

(ii) catch crops or nitrogen fixing

crops, cultivated without plant

protection products

For Member States using only

non-productive areas and features

the minimum share is 3%. For

catch crops a weighting factor of

0.3 is to be used.

Retention of landscape

features

Ban on cutting hedges and

trees during the bird breeding

and rearing season

As an option, measures for

avoiding invasive plant species

Maintenance of non-productive

features and area to improve

on-farm biodiversity

GAEC 7 of cross

compliance

Article 46 of Regulation

1307 – EFAs for arable

farming.

Current Greening

requirements

Existing and partially new GAEC (currently part of Greening)

Requirements:

• Minimum share (5%) of arable/agricultural land devoted to:

o non-productive features or

o catch crops or nitrogen fixing crops, cultivated without plant protection products

Non-productive features’ include:

land lying fallow, nitrogen-fixing crops, catch crops, eligible forestry, short rotation

coppice, field copse, hedgerows, drains, buffer strips

This list will be subject to on-going review.

Issue: exemptions

• Retention of landscape features

List of LF will be subject to on-going review

• Ban on cutting hedges and trees during the bird breeding and rearing season – no

change

• Measures for avoiding invasive plant species – no change

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five




current CAP


GAEC 10 Ban on converting or ploughing

permanent grassland in Natura

2000 sites designated as

environmentally-sensitive

permanent grasslands in

Natura 2000 sites.

Protection of habitats and

species

Article 45 (1) of

Regulation 1307/2013

New GAEC (currently part of Greening)

Continue with current requirements - i.e. ban on conversion and ploughing of

environmentally-sensitive permanent grasslands (ESPG’s).

NPWS responsible for designating ESPG

Eco-Scheme Development: Update for CAP Consultative Committee

Brian Batt

Eco-Scheme Division

20/05/2021


Background

Mandatory for Member State – voluntary for farmers

Funded within Pillar 1

List of agricultural practices beneficial for climate, environment & animal welfare.

Payment only for interventions going beyond Conditionality

Annual payment per Ha – annual scheme

Payment additional to BISS or based on additional costs incurred and income

foregone

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five


Eco-Scheme for All Farmers – 4 Principles

1. Encourage participation

2. Financial incentive

3. Simple but effective scheme(s) with broad appeal

4. Present as an optional environmental top-up to BISS

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five


Rationale for Eco-Scheme

• Mandatory under CSP – Article 28

• CAP Strategic Objectives 4, 5, 6 & 9

• Ag Climatise

• Agri-Food Strategy to 2030

• Green Deal Targets

• Programme for Government


• The Eco-Scheme application process will be integrated with the BISS application.

• Farmer can opt in/out on annual basis

• Intended that Eco-Scheme payments will issue to farmers as close as possible to current

Direct Payment timelines.

• Eligibility - All genuine farmers or groups of genuine farmers who make commitments to

observe agricultural practices beneficial for the climate, the environment, animal welfare

and combatting antimicrobial resistance.

Description of Eco-Scheme


• Points based system – to give farmers flexibility while also rewarding those who

are doing more for the environment.

• Farmer will select appropriate measures to meet points requirement (min 300

points) under the different packages to qualify for eco-scheme payment

• A min of 75 points must be achieved in each of the three environmental

packages, cross-compensation allowed for flexibility.

Proposed Framework


Four Packages of Measures

1. Contribute to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

2. Sustainable & Efficient Management of Natural Resources

3. Contribute to the protection of Biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services

4. Improve Animal Health & Welfare

Proposed Framework


1. Contribute to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (CAP SO.4)

Sample of measures:

Extensive livestock production

Reduce chemical nitrogen inputs

Catch Crops

Milk Recording

Proposed Framework


2. Sustainable & Efficient Management of Natural Resources (CAP SO.5)

Sample of measures:

Spring application of slurry

Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS)

Precision Agriculture

Excluding Bovines from Watercourses

Proposed Framework


3. Contribute to the protection of Biodiversity and enhance ecosystem

services (CAP SO.6)

Sample of measures:

Credit for existing habitats & hedgerows

Planting groves of trees

Hedgerow Management

Nature Corridors

Proposed Framework


4. Improve Animal Health & Welfare (CAP SO.9)

Sample of Data Recording measures:

Bio-security Assessment

Veterinary Medicines Usage

Animal Health Monitoring

On-farm welfare assessment

Proposed Framework

Body Level One

Body Level Two

Body Level Three

Body Level Four

Body Level Five



The trilogues process is on-going; the outcome of those discussions will

have a significant impact on possibilities regarding Eco-Scheme design.

Ring-fencing

The Council agreed a General Approach in October 2020 which included

20% Pillar I ring fencing for Eco-Schemes. Within the European

Parliament, 30% ring fencing for Eco-Schemes is proposed.

Flexibilities, Scoring System, Incentivizing

Thank you 20 May 2021

cap consultative committee meeting

Documents