Inclusive of amendments of 30 September 2008, of 15 May 2009
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Integrated MeasureIn accordance with Article 70(7) of Regulation 1698/2005 and Article 42 of Regulation 1974/2006 the agri-environment measure will comprise an integrated measure. The supplementary measure in relation to Heritage Farm Buildings is classified under measure code 323 of Axis 3 [Article 52(b)(iii) of Reg. (EC) no. 1698/2005 + Point 5.3.3.2.3 of Annex II of Reg (EC) No 1974/2006]. The expenditure in respect of this supplementary measure will be attributed to Axis 2 as the dominant axis. Action 8 of the agri-environment measure is classified under measure code 323 of Axis 3. Although compliance with these actions will be required under the REPS measure it is not proposed to make payments. The level of support for the mandatory undertakings is reduced accordingly in Appendix 3 of the Programme, but it will be open to the applicant to undertake additional biodiversity options. The additional biodiversity measure under Action 8 (Traditional Orchards) falls within Axis 2. Rationale for intervention Agri-environmental payments play an important role in supporting sustainable development in rural areas and in responding to society’s increasing demand for environmental services. This measure should encourage farmers to introduce or continue to apply agricultural production methods compatible with the protection of the environment, the landscape and its features. Objectives of the measure
Scope and actions The proposed scheme builds on the success of actions in the 2000–2006 programming period, with an increasing emphasis on pro-active environmental and biodiversity objectives. Farmers will be obliged to carry out their farming activity in accordance with farming conditions relevant to land classification for a minimum period of five years. Where part of a holding comprises lands designated under Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds, Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and agricultural areas included in river basin management plans pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC, agri-environment commitments shall, where appropriate, take account of the conditions laid down for support in the areas concerned. Increasing the number of farmers converting to organic production methods is prioritised. Farmers complying with Council Regulation 2092/91 as amended on Organic Farming shall be eligible for financial support through a stand-alone organic sub-measure. All general programme scheme participants shall be obliged to have a farm nutrient management plan prepared. If the farmer has obtained a derogation from the national Regulations implementing the Nitrates Directive,29 his/her REPS nutrient management plan prepared in accordance with the derogation shall be acceptable for such period as the derogation remains in force. A minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per hectare is required as a condition of eligibility. In exceptional circumstances this minimum stocking density requirement may be dispensed with where it is necessary on grounds of environmental sustainability. Where the relevant mandatory standards or requirements, established pursuant to Articles 4 and 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 and its Annexes III and VI, as well as of the minimum requirements for fertiliser and plant protection product use and of other relevant mandatory requirements established by national legislation30 are amended, the agri-environment contract shall be adjusted to take account of any such legislative changes. If the beneficiary does not accept such adjustment, the commitment shall expire and reimbursement shall not be required. Where application for REPS is made for farms benefiting from derogations under the nitrates directive, these applications will be subject to detailed examination to establish in what way each farm is in a position to fulfill each of the requirements of the mandatory undertaking. Where a requirement is obligatory under the terms of the derogation or cannot be fulfilled due to management practices related to grassland or to the absence or greatly reduced presence of features such as internal field boundaries, wildlife habitats or sites of historical and/or archaeological interest, the level of support for the mandatory undertakings shall be reduced accordingly but it will be open to the applicant to undertake additional biodiversity options. Risk of overlap with First Pillar – EAGF A member of a Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisation receiving support for environmental actions under the Scheme of Aid for Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisations is precluded from receiving support for similar actions under this measure. Demarcation with Pillar I Article 68 Burren Farming for Conservation Scheme (BFCS) Measure 1 of BFCS relates to Production of Species Rich Limestone Grassland, Measure 2 relates to Site Enhancement Works and Measure 3 relates to Protection of Designated land and other areas of Annex1 Habitat. Beneficiaries under the Burren Farming for Conservation Scheme (BFCS) may as an exception receive support under this measure in the first instance in respect of Measures 1 & 3 of the BFCS. This exception is granted for budgetary reasons. Both beneficiaries who are currently under contract under this measure and new entrants, will be paid under this measure. Administrative Rules
Specific actions A General Programme for all applicants consists of:
General Programme mandatory requirements General Programme participants must apply core measures in respect of the total area of their holding for a five-year period, together with at least two additional undertakings to be selected from the tables of listed options below. Individual farm plans are drawn up by professionally qualified planners31 approved by the Department of Agriculture and Food. DESCRIPTION OF CORE ACTIONS ACTION 1 Follow a farm nutrient management plan prepared for the total area of the farm ACTION 2 Adopt an appropriate grassland and soil management plan for the total area of the farm ACTION 3 Protect and maintain watercourses, waterbodies and wells ACTION 4 Retain wildlife habitats ACTION 5 Maintain farm and field boundaries ACTION 6 Restrict the use of pesticides and fertilisers in and around hedgerows, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams ACTION 7 Establish biodiversity buffer strips surrounding features of historical and archaeological interest ACTION 8 Maintain and improve visual appearance of the farm and farmyard ACTION 9 Produce tillage crops respecting environmental principles ACTION 10 Undertake training under Axis 1 as provided for under Measure 111 ACTION 11 Prepare, monitor and update agri-environmental plan in consultation with planner and keep such farm and environmental records as may be prescribed by the Minister Legal basis for actions
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