Important update on Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme
Farmers engaged in the ACRES programme can now complete the 2025 Rare Breeds conservation declaration online. Key deadlines for the 2026 Nutrient Planning Initiative applications have also been highlighted, with final opportunities for some participants fast approaching.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued an update for participants in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). The Annual Declaration for the Conservation of Rare Breeds for 2025 can now be submitted via the ACRES Rare Breeds online portal available on the AgFood system. This declaration may be completed by the participant or their ACRES Advisor.
Payments for this conservation action are made retrospectively, based on the monthly average livestock units of eligible registered animals from the previous recording year. The payment for the 2025 claim will be included in the 2026 balance payment, scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2026. To qualify, participants must maintain at least 0.10 Livestock Units eligible for payment annually. The Department will notify all eligible participants by SMS when the Rare Breeds portal opens.
Additionally, participants involved in the Co-operation approach are reminded that the application period for Nutrient Planning Initiative (NPI) 2026 Annual Works Plans (AWPs) closed on 14 October 2026. For those in Tranche 1, whose contracts began on 1 January 2023, this was the final chance to apply for NPIs under contracts expiring on 31 December 2027. ACRES advisors can submit NPI AWPs through the Generic Land Management (GLAM) mapping system, accessible via MyAgFood. The revised ACRES specification document is available on the Department’s website for further reference.
Payments for this conservation action are made retrospectively, based on the monthly average livestock units of eligible registered animals from the previous recording year. The payment for the 2025 claim will be included in the 2026 balance payment, scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2026. To qualify, participants must maintain at least 0.10 Livestock Units eligible for payment annually. The Department will notify all eligible participants by SMS when the Rare Breeds portal opens.
Additionally, participants involved in the Co-operation approach are reminded that the application period for Nutrient Planning Initiative (NPI) 2026 Annual Works Plans (AWPs) closed on 14 October 2026. For those in Tranche 1, whose contracts began on 1 January 2023, this was the final chance to apply for NPIs under contracts expiring on 31 December 2027. ACRES advisors can submit NPI AWPs through the Generic Land Management (GLAM) mapping system, accessible via MyAgFood. The revised ACRES specification document is available on the Department’s website for further reference.
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