The deadline by which advisors must upload soil sample results for the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) tranche 1 has been extended.
ACRES tranche 1 participants now have time until December 31, 2024 to take samples and upload valid soil sample results or soil sample exemption forms.
Advisors were told that adverse weather in recent months has created difficult ground conditions to allow the capturing of suitable soil samples for analysis.
One of the key requirements for applications for tranche 1 participants is the submission of valid soil sample results before May 15, 2024. This has now been extended.
Documents must be uploaded on the ACRES system by an approved ACRES advisor until December 31. Documents submitted by post or email will not be accepted.
ACRES soil sample results
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) reminded advisors that only samples taken on or after January 1, 2022, will be considered valid.
Failure to submit soil analysis may result in termination from the ACRES scheme and claw back of monies previously paid, according to the DAFM.
In a circular sent to advisors today (Friday, March 22), the DAFM said that all soil sample commitments for ACRES tranche 1 must be fully satisfied by December 31, 2024.