The deadline for the submission of 2026 Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) has been extended.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) confirmed the decision in a circular issued to advisors this week.

The system for applying for NPIs on behalf of farmers in the ACRES Co-operation approach is currently open.

The closing date for submission of applications was due to fall today (Wednesday, October 14).

However, the department said the deadline for NPI 2022 Annual Works Plans (AWPs) has been extended until tomorrow (Thursday, October 15).

Advisors were reminded that this NPI application window will be the last opportunity to submit NPI applications on behalf of their clients who were approved into the ACRES Co-operation approach from January 1, 2023 (Tranche 1 participants).

This is due to the ACRES Tranche 1 contracts ending on December 31, 2027.

ACRES

ACRES is co-funded by the national exchequer and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Over 50,000 farmers are participating in the flagship €1.5 billion agri-environmental scheme which includes General and Co-operation approaches.

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.