1.
Nutrient management plan
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National
| Follow an appropriate waste management, liming and fertiliser plan prepared for the total area of the farm. a) Fertiliser limits apply to crops.
b) Nutrient Management Plan to be complied with for the whole farm. This includes establishing baseline soil fertility status by extensive soil sampling, analysis and interpretation
Total Cost
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No claim
25
25.00
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Farmers less than 170kg org N/ha must abide by the conditions of the Nitrates Directive (SI 378 of 2006) for the protection of waters regulations. This provides that the total amount of livestock manure applied to a holding in a calendar year must not contain more than 170 kgs of nitrogen to the hectare.
The total quantity of fertilisers (organic and chemical combined) that you apply to your land must not be more than the crops need (this includes grass).
In addition farmers must also meet requirements in relation to animal manure management, planning and building regulations.56 Comply with Nitrate SI on spreading of organic and chemical fertilisers.
Farmers stocked above 170kg organic N must apply for derogation under the regulation.
As applications at the level of homogenous crops is mandatory for derogation farmers the extra justification is based on additional works being assessed on a specific basis under measure 4 and 5.
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Soil sampling and analysis at the level of homogenous crops required. Analysis and interpretation of the results of these samples by the REPS planner provides an accurate base line of the existing fertility of the various soil types on the farm. This, together with an estimation of the land productivity allows the targeting, at the level of homogenous crops subject to the same soil sample, of nutrient application including optimum recycling of farm generated organic fertilisers. This will lead to environmental benefits for water quality through the reduction in chemical N use by an average of 10kg/ha. It will also lead to benefits for biodiversity by restricting its use on plots of conservation interest.
The extra cost of complying with the Nutrient Management Plan is due to significant change and increase in work practice relating to the fertiliser and manure programme based on soil analysis and crop requirements.
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2.
Grassland and soil management plan
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National
|
Adopt a grassland & soil management plan that avoids poaching, overgrazing, soil erosion and run-off leading to the damage of heather or other natural vegetation or wetlands habitats.
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Increased work input by farmer required in managing livestock over the winter period.
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Input by farmer in monitoring a grassland and soil management plan
Total Cost
2A. Traditional Hay Meadows
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This is based on a farmer maintaining 0.4 ha or 8per cent, whichever is the lesser, of his holding as hay meadows
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Reduced crop production
-
Reduced feeding value
2B. Species Rich Grassland
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This is based on a farmer maintaining 0.4 ha or 8per cent , whichever is the lesser, of his holding as species rich grassland
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Reduced grass production/grazing potential
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Reduced grass quality
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8.0
2.2
10.2
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7
7
|
Outwinter and overwintering of livestock in buildings and yards while meeting the statutory requirements in relation to waste management, water management, target areas and the Wildlife Act, 2001.
This does not set down a core winter housing or grassland management plan for the animals.
The management of animals outdoors shall not result in severe poaching or severe overgrazing. Particular attention will be paid where stocking rate over winter is above 2LU/ha.
Forage conserved in a manner that maximises quality and yield. Adhere to the forage requirements for nutrients recommended by Teagasc.
Livestock grazed in a manner that avoids both under and overgrazing of grassland and meets the statutory requirements in relation to target areas5 and the Wildlife Act, 2001.
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Setting a core wintering period and setting a maximum stocking rate to 1LU/ha, which cannot be exceeded during this period. This will reduce the risk of poaching, particularly
of wetland habitats and overgrazing leading to damage of heather or other natural vegetation.
Planners in preparing individual REPS plans set out the core winter housing period and grassland/soil management, which avoids poaching and overgrazing.
This reduced stocking rate during the wintering period results in additional work input by farmer in managing low stock numbers over a large area. Monitoring grassland & soil management plan
There will be additional costs on applicants by reverting to traditional forage making practices. The quantity and quality of forage saved will fall below that normally made on commercial farms.
Normal practices for maintaining a highly productive sward will be prohibited such as reseeding, excess liming and fertilisation.
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3.
Protect and maintain watercourses and wells
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National
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2D. Encourage the use of clover in swards
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This is based on a farmer reseeding conservation ground to maintain high clover levels
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Based on 25per cent of 20ha
2E. Encourage the use of trailing shoe technology
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This is based on a farmer availing of latest technology for increasing N cycling efficiency
2F. Control of invasive species in grassland, e.g. rushes and/or bracken
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This is based on a farmer controlling and managing high rush/bracken/blackthorn/gorse populations
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Chemical and mechanical control
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Based on 10per cent of 20ha, min 0.5ha
Protect and maintain watercourses and wells, with access by livestock to be limited to drinking points.
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Fence off watercourses and wells from bovines for the duration of the REPS contract.
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Bovines restricted from grazing of one and a half metre strip by watercourse.
c) Remove silt from watercourse and scrape bottom and sides to original depth only; in accordance with environmental specifications.
Total Cost
3A. Increase watercourse margin by 1m with drinking access point
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Grazing restriction along additional 1m strip by water course
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20.0
1.0
8.3
29.3
|
23
10
12
8
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Clover not normally part of Irish swards
No baseline requirement to use this technology
Baseline requires that encroachment of farmland by invasive species to the extent that the land is incapable of agricultural production be prevented. GAEC allows the non-selective control of these species with no requirement to consider its biodiversity benefits.
Comply with recommended buffer zones for the non application of fertilisers as specified in SI 378 of 2006 for the protection of watercourses when spreading fertilisers (organic and chemical)
A fence to exclude bovines from watercourses and wells is not required.
No specification
Watercourse maintenance is not mandatory.
.
Bovines allowed access to one and a half metre strip of grazing along watercourse
.
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Reduced use of chemical N on conservation ground.
Increased N cycling efficiency & Reduced use of chemical N on conservation ground
Maintenance of grassland quality and landscape appearance. Many of these grassland habitats are marginal in nature and the habitat is complemented by the presence of species, which can be invasive if left uncontrolled. These habitats are at continual risk of reverting to a semi-natural state. The objective of this measure is to promote the conservation and maintenance of these specific habitats by targeted control of particular species, while retaining a dispersed population of these species within the grassland habitat.
To reduce risk of pollution by the exclusion of all bovines from buffer zone on all watercourses
Average length of watercourse fencing required per ha is 21m.
Loss of grazing of one and a half metre strip by watercourses.
Maintenance of watercourses according to REPS specification will require work with manual tools on an annual basis and the use of a mechanical digger once every five years.
Primary objective of this sub measure is to create additional habitat space alongside watercourses to allow natural regeneration of typical riverside vegetation structure, thus providing habitat for associated fauna. The increased margin also acts as a buffer strip with the potential to intercept nutrients and soil particles in overland flow.
Loss of grazing of 1m strip by watercourse
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4. Retain Wildlife Habitats
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National
|
3B: No Bovine access to watercourses
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Provide alternative piped water source
3C: Use of planted buffer zones
Retain wildlife habitats such as field divisions, woodlands, wetlands, natural and semi-natural vegetation.
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Setting-aside of land for wildlife habitat use
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Consequently, inefficient work practices will arise.
Total Cost
4A. Creation of a New Habitat
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this is based on a farmer setting aside additional land for wildlife habitat use; min 0.2 ha or 4per cent of his holding up to 20 ha., whichever is the higher.
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Consequently, inefficient work practices will arise.
4B. Tree planting 1 tree/ ha of holding using native species, up to a max of 40ha.
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Cost of trees.
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Protection of trees from livestock browsing.
-
Consequently, inefficient work practices will arise.
4C. Nature Corridors: increase field margins by additional 1m on whole farm
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Consequently, dry matter production will be reduced on that area.
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10.5
11
21.5
|
5.0
8.5
23
13
9.0
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No restriction preventing bovines drinking directly from watercourses
Baseline is as per basic measure 3. Therefore a unplanted buffer zone is maintained.
Comply with requirements applicable to NHAs & Natura 2000 area and The Wildlife Act, 2001. Removal of habitats is not recommended. However the removal of wildlife habitats not protected under legislation, to facilitate commercial farming practices, is not prohibited.
Creation of additional space for wildlife is not a requirement of cross-compliance. Therefore general farming practices are facilitated.
Planting of trees is not a requirement of cross-compliance.
Provision of field margins is not a requirement of cross-compliance. Therefore general farming practices are facilitated.
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To improve water quality by preventing any physical damage to the banks of watercourses.
The action of planting a buffer zone with willow or alder, which is stockproofed, goes beyond the baseline. The fact that the buffer is planted and stock-proofed prevents animals from grazing close to the water body. The planted buffer will also intercept nutrients from overland flow from adjacent land and contribute to creating additional space for biodiversity.
All habitat areas including non-designated habitats will be identified and mapped during the REPS planning process and the plan will prescribe to the farmer what actions are required to maintain these habitats.
The opportunity cost of setting-aside 3per cent of land as wildlife habitat which otherwise could be used for commercial farming purposes.
Conservation of habitats often leads to irregular shaped and small size plots, resulting in inefficient use of modern machinery and work practices.
The opportunity cost of setting-aside a minimum of 0.2ha or 4per cent, whichever is the higher, of land as wildlife habitat which otherwise could be used for commercial farming purposes
Trees improve the appearance of the landscape and help to conserve wildlife. Planting of non-native trees is not permissible. The opportunity cost of setting-aside land for tree planting which otherwise could be used for commercial farming purposes. This will result in inefficient use of modern machinery and work practices.
Loss of production adjacent to field margins is estimated at 260 square metres per ha on which dry matter production will be reduced by 50 per cent because of the restriction on the use of pesticides and fertilisers.
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5.
Maintain farm and field boundaries
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National
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4D. Establishment of farm woodland
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provision of woodland (linear or patches)
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2per cent of 20ha, min 1000msq max 0.4ha
Retain and maintain boundary and roadside fences, stonewalls and hedgerows in the interests of stock control, wildlife and the scenic appearance of the area.
5A. Coppicing of hedgerows
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This is based on the active enhancement of hedgerows at a rate of 3m/ha up to a 20 ha limit.
5B. Laying of hedgerows
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This is based on the coppicing or laying of 2m/ha up to a 20ha limit.
5C. Plant new hedgerows
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This is based on the active enhancement of hedgerows at a rate of 3m/ha up to a 20 ha limit.
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Provision of fencing may be necessary when carrying out all the above practices to prevent livestock browsing during establishment/growth of new plant shoots.
5D. Repair/ maintain stone walls/stone faced banks
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this is based on the repair/ enhancement of traditional stonewalls at a rate of 3m/ha/annum (up to a maximum of 20 ha.) above the basic requirement.
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0
|
23
31.5
30
32
23
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Planting of trees is not a requirement of cross-compliance.
External boundaries or roadside fences of fields (excluding commonage land) occupied by livestock must be stock proof.
While removal of field divisions, stone walls and hedgerow maintenance is not recommended, their maintenance is not mandatory under cross-compliance; thus their removal to facilitate commercial farming practice is not prohibited.
Coppicing of hedgerows is not a requirement of cross-compliance.
Laying of hedgerows is not a requirement of cross-compliance.
Establishment of new hedgerows is not a requirement of cross-compliance.
While removal of stonewalls is not recommended, their maintenance is not mandatory under cross-compliance; thus the removal of field divisions to facilitate commercial farming practice is not prohibited.
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Trees improve the appearance of the landscape and help to conserve wildlife. Planting of non-native trees is not permissible. The opportunity cost of setting-aside land for tree planting which otherwise could be used for commercial farming purposes. This will result in inefficient use of modern machinery and work practices.
All field divisions, fences, stonewall and hedgerows will be retained. In addition, all hedgerows and stone walls must be maintained in accordance with a planned 5-year schedule of work which enhances the biodiversity and landscape value.
The intensive maintenance practices outlined such as laying, coppicing and planting involve labour and capital costs.
The extra cost of maintaining 3m/ha over and above the basic maintenance requirement of the scheme
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6.
Cease using herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers in and around hedgerows, ponds and streams
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National
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Cease using pesticides and fertilisers within 1.5m of hedgerows, ponds and streams, except with the Minister’s approval.
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Consequently, dry matter production will be reduced on that area.
-
Clearing of vegetation from watercourses in accordance with environmental specifications.
Total Cost
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3.5
6.5
10
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|
Safe storage and use of pesticides and chemicals. Use in accordance with product label instructions and statutory code of good plant protection practice. Comply with statutory maximum pesticide residue limits. i.e. SMR 9
Clearing vegetation from watercourses is not mandatory.
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Loss of production adjacent to field margins (not watercourse margins) is estimated at 200 square metres per ha on which dry matter production will be reduced by 50per cent because of the restriction on the use of pesticides and fertilisers.
Fenced watercourses will require cutting of weeds and clearing of vegetation from watercourses in accordance with environmental specifications using manual tools, 21m/ha @ annual cost of €0.31/m.
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7.
Establish biodiversity buffer strips surrounding features of historical and archaeological interest
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National
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Retain and maintain biodiversity surrounding any features of historical or archaeological interest not listed in National records (i.e. lime kilns and ruins of traditional dwellings). No ground disturbance within 20m of such features to create a biodiversity buffer strip.
Consequently, inefficient work practices will arise.
Total
7A - Increase margins around archaeological sites by 50per cent (all sites on farm)
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3.0
5.0
8.0
|
10
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Comply with the National Monuments Act, 1994. Do not remove or damage archaeological monuments and sites listed on the Record of Monuments and Places. No GAEC requirement to establish buffer zone for biodiversity around such features.
Comply with the National Monuments Act, 1994. Do not remove or damage archaeological monuments and sites listed on the Record of Monuments and Places
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REPS protects other sites and features of historical and archaeological interest not listed on the Record of Monuments and Places, for example the ruins of traditional dwelling houses and lime kilns. . This buffer strip surrounding the site shall be managed in the interests of biodiversity and landscape. The corresponding loss of production involved is based on one historical/archaeological feature per farm.
The loss of production involved on an extra 10m buffer area around the Archaeological site.
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8.
Maintain and improve visual appearance of farm and farmyard
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National
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Maintain farms including farmyards in a tidy state.
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Maintain farmyard clear of litter
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Use appropriate roof, wall and door colours and maintain in good state of repair
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Repair/maintain traditional stone farm buildings
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Landscaping/screening around farm and farmyard—loss of production on land used for landscaping
Total Cost
8A. Establish a traditional Orchard of specified varieties of Irish origin
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500m2 containing 12 trees
8B. Install bird or bat boxes
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To erect 8 nestboxs or equivalent at suitable locations around/adjacent the farmyard
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No claim
No claim
No claim
No claim
No claim
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22/11
11
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Comply with the Litter Pollution Act, 1997
While removal of traditional stone farm buildings, gates, gatepost and piers is not recommended, they may be removed for reasons of safety, ease of access or maintenance. The painting of buildings is not mandatory.
Landscaping of farmyards is not a requirement of cross-compliance; thus general farming practices are permitted up to and surrounding the farmyard.
No mandatory requirement
No mandatory requirement under GAEC
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Remove deposits of litter on-farm and any other unsightly feature, particularly those visible to the general public.
Preservation of old farm buildings of limestone, granite or sandstone wall construction and/or with slated roofs, gates gate posts and piers. Retain all such features and maintenance is often required to include essential repairs to the fabric of the structures.
Use appropriate roof, wall and door colours on buildings, which blend in with the surrounding countryside and maintain in a good state of repair.
The planting of trees around a farmyard softens the lines of buildings and helps to mould them with the landscape and provide a habitat for birds. Non- Native trees are not eligible.
Protect our plant genetic resources and increase biodiversity around farmyards and the retention of traditional farm skills.
Maintain and encourage bird and bat populations in and around the farmyard through the purchase and maintenance of bird/bat boxes.
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9.
Produce tillage crops according to REPS Specification
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National
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Not applicable to grassland farmers.
9D. Promote the growing of low-input cereals/root crops, covers both options
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The additional cost of growing spring cereals
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Inefficiencies of production system
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10per cent of 20ha, min 0.5ha, max 2ha
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No claim
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37
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Not applicable to grassland farmers.
GAEC requires that permanent grassland on a national basis does not decrease by 10per cent or more.
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Not applicable to grassland farmers.
Benefits biodiversity and landscape and preserves traditional farming skills. The limit of 2ha per farm will ensure that GAEC is protected while benefits to biodiversity of landscape heterogeneity are maintained.
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10.
Become familiar with environmentally friendly farming practice
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National
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Participants in REPS are recommended to attend prescribed courses and farm demonstrations and acquire the knowledge and skill required to comply with all REPS measures.
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4.4
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Become familiar with the requirements in relation to waste management, water, air, trees and wildlife, target areas, use and control of plant protection products, planning and building, national monuments and litter as outlined above.
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REPS entail being familiar with environmentally friendly farming practices as outlined in the REPS Specification, which go beyond meeting the legislative provisions, listed under GAEC.
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11.
Prepare, monitor and update agri-environmental records as may be prescribed by the Minister
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National
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Preparation and updating of the REPS Agri-environmental plan
Keep such farm and environmental records as may be prescribed by the Minister.
Records must be kept each year with the appropriate details entered in the record book each month.
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16.50
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Record date, type and quantity of chemical fertilisers, organic wastes and pesticides brought onto or leaving the farm.
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REPS requires the hiring of professional agriculturalist and/or environmentalist advice in the preparation of an agri-environmental plan and for its update during the term of the plan. Advice is also required on the change in farm management practices required to comply with REPS specifications. Annual records to be kept by the REPS applicant on farming operations carried out.
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Total Cost of Measures 1 to 11 above
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National
|
|
124.90
|
30
|
|
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Additional measure selected from the list of options as a core action to minimum value of €17 (Either of the options 2D, 4A, 4D, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 9D or 3per cent of LINNET supplementary measure can be chosen.)
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17.00
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|
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As justified in the costings table for options
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Total
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141.90
|
|
|
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Transaction Cost
|
National
|
Transaction cost
Engagement with the REPS process and pre-planning time
|
5.6
|
|
|
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Total Cost
|
National
|
Overall Total Cost
|
147.5057
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3058
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