The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) recently confirmed that the application window for Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) has opened.

NPIs are voluntary actions which are available for farmers in the ACRES Co-operation approach.

The actions seek to address environmental issues on the farm, directly contribute to environmental objectives or increase the farmers capacity to improve field scores through management.

The closing date for the submission of application for NPIs in this window is Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

ACRES

In a circular issued to ACRES advisors, the department noted that this NPI application window will be the last opportunity to submit applications on behalf of farmers who were approved for ACRES Co-operation approach from January 1, 2023 (tranche 1 participants).

The department said this is because ACRES tranche 1 contracts are due to end on December 31, 2027.

ACRES advisors may complete and submit NPI Annual Works Plans (AWP) through the department's Generic Land Management (GLAM) mapping system.

Only one NPI AWP may be submitted for an ACRES Co-operation participant in this application window.

DAFM said the AWP and application may be only amended at draft stage. Once submitted, it will not be possible to make further changes.

NPIs

The department has also published of an updated version of the specifications relating to the implementation of NPIs.

The NPIs for which the specification has been revised are as follows:

DAFM noted that farmers who have been approved for NPIs must adhere to the revised requirements.