Supplementary Measure—Traditional Orchards

Supplementary Measure—Traditional Orchards

Local animal breeds play a significant role in maintaining the rural environment. Supporting the conservation of these genetic resources will allow for the long-term survival of this valuable genetic material, which could otherwise become extinct. These genetic resources represent a significant element of the cultural heritage of farming in Ireland.

The objective of this supplementary measure is to assist farmers participating in REPS to rear farm animals of local breeds, indigenous to the area, that are in danger of being lost to farming.

Many Irish rivers and their tributaries are habitats for aquatic species (including salmonid and pearl mussel species) that are important nationally and in the wider European context. The development of riparian zones provides a suitable habitat for flora and fauna that sustain food webs important in the river ecosystem.

Over past decades, farming enterprises have become increasingly specialised in response to market demands. This has resulted in a decline in traditional mixed farming systems. These changes, together with a reduced acreage of spring cereals, have increased the pressure on populations of farmland bird species because of a reduced food supply over winter.

The maintenance of the cereal or root crop for the five-year duration of the REPS contract is a significant cost of complying with the prescribed management practices in this measure. This will contribute to more efficient on-farm utilisation of organic fertilisers.

Continuous arable production can deplete soil organic matter (carbon), leading to a weakening of soil structure and an increase in the potential for soil erosion, run-off and associated loss of soil biota. Minimum tillage will also reduce emissions of greenhouse gas both from reduced impact on the soil and from a reduction in on-farm fuel consumption.

This supplementary measure encourages sustainable grazing practices in marginally farmed areas and contributes to the conservation of flora and fauna on specific habitats. The farmed landscape and associated flora and fauna of Ireland require continued active farming for its survival.

The objective of this supplementary measure is to contribute to the delivery of water quality, by promoting and encouraging the practice of incorporating clover into suitable grassland, in order to reduce dependency on nitrogenous fertilisers. The incorporation of clover into suitable swards can significantly reduce the dependence on chemical nitrogen, which, in turn, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from that source.

The corncrake is a globally threatened migratory bird which was formerly widespread in hay meadows throughout Ireland. In recent decades it has become restricted to wetlands and poor farmland, possibly because of changing farming practices.

The restrictions on fertiliser applications in proximity to water bodies under the general scheme provisions contribute positively to water quality. However, in some specific lake catchments additional environmental management can contribute to enhanced water quality. Improved water quality can enhance the social and economic vitality of rural communities through the development of recreational and amenity potential.

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  Whole-farm reduction in Organic N by reduction in stock numbers – Reduce stocking rate by 30kg Organic N from stocking rate in year previous to joining scheme
  
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  Traditional hay meadows
  
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  Species-rich grasslands
  
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  Increase in water course margin
  
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  Alternative drinking points—prohibit bovines from drinking directly from any watercourse on the holding
  
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  Planted buffer zones.
  

These actions are additional to the requirements under the core agri-environmental measure to select two biodiversity options. The baseline fertilisation limits of the Nitrates Directive shall never be exceeded on the whole farm and under no circumstances will the same action be compensated for twice under the rural development plan.

The biodiversity of many grassland habitats is enhanced by maintaining or introducing a grazing regime with a mix of herbivores. Pastures grazed by mixed species produce a more diverse sward both in structure and height. The synergy between the grazing habits of cattle and sheep is well recognised and the resultant sward structure provides environmental opportunity for both flora and fauna to exploit, be it by birds, invertebrates, grass species or wild flowers. The tradition of this type of mixed grazing is found predominantly among the more extensive grassland farmers.

Traditional farm buildings can make a significant and positive contribution to the Irish landscape. Many of the older buildings were laid out using local tried-and-tested materials, built to patterns and arrangements that made optimum use of resources. They survived and were maintained using simple materials and ingenious repairs, all of which add up to a culture of resourceful care and pride. The actions required under this measure meet the criteria of Measure 323 under Axis 3 but will be included as part of an integrated agri-environment measure under Axis 2, which is the dominant axis.

The objective of the measure is to ensure that a number of traditional farm buildings, which contribute to the visual landscape and are of historical/architectural value, will be maintained into the future.

Many traditional farm buildings are being lost through neglect. The timely repair (or, as a minimum, weatherproofing) of traditional farm buildings prevents dilapidation and the onset of serious structural problems, which may lead to expensive restoration in the future. Therefore, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Heritage Council will administer a grants scheme to REPS 4 participants on the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings.

Grants of up to €25,000 will be available to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings (roof, outside surface of walls, windows and doors) and associated structures (historic yard surfaces, landscape features around the farmyard e.g. walls, gate pillars). The traditional farm buildings must have architectural or vernacular heritage character, make a contribution to their setting and not be overwhelmed by large-scale modern buildings. Dwelling houses will not qualify under this supplementary measure.