Your adviser can pick the two practices that fit your farm, and you can change them each year.
Quick facts
- Estimated rate
- About €60 to €65 a hectare
- Practices
- Choose 2 of 8 (or 1 enhanced)
- Who
- All active farmers
- Entitlements
- Not needed
- Opt in
- Each year, on BISS
- Budget
- €297 million a year
How it works
"The Eco-Scheme has 8 agricultural practices to choose from, with 3 of these practices having an enhanced option. A farmer must deliver two practices (or one enhanced option) to qualify for an Eco-Scheme payment."
"All active farmers are eligible to apply." "Payment Entitlements are not required to apply for the Eco-Scheme." "Each farmer will have the opportunity to opt in or out on an annual basis."
What it pays
"The payment rate depends on uptake but is likely to be in the region of €60 - €65 per hectare with a total financial allocation of €297 million per annum." That's the Department's estimate on its Eco-scheme page; the actual rate is set each year.
You apply through your BISS application on agfood.ie, yourself or through a FAS-approved adviser.
Common questions
How much does the Eco-scheme pay?
The Department estimates about €60 to €65 a hectare, depending on uptake.
How many Eco-scheme practices do I need?
Two of the eight practices, or one enhanced option.
Do I need entitlements for the Eco-scheme?
No. Payment entitlements aren't required.