What supports can farmers access if they want to ‘rewild’?
Rewilding is a key element of Ireland’s environmental ambitions, with numerous schemes in place to incentivise landowners to return some property to nature.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon outlined just some of the incentives and grants available in the rewilding sphere.
The minister provided the information in response to a query from People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger.
Heydon said: “My department provides a broad range of biodiversity support measures under Ireland's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan, together with other national and EU-funded initiatives.
“My department's approach is to support farmers in delivering biodiversity through practical, voluntary and appropriately incentivised measures that complement sustainable food production and vibrant rural communities."
Eco-Scheme Space for Nature
The minister went on to discuss Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) 8, and the Eco-Scheme Space for Nature.
GAEC refers to a set of EU standards that aim to achieve a sustainable agriculture.
Space for Nature is a voluntary CAP measure that rewards farmers for devoting portions of their land to biodiversity and landscape protection.
Minister Heydon said: “Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan represents the largest investment ever made in environmental action through agricultural policy, supporting farmers to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes while continuing to farm sustainably.
“As part of conditionality, GAEC 8 requires a minimum area devoted to nature on farms, while the Eco-Scheme Space for Nature measure supports farmers to retain and create a minimum of either 7% or 10% space for nature on their land to qualify.
“In 2025, 85% of participating farmers selected the Space for Nature practice, with over 100,000 farmers being rewarded.”
He added that his department also supports “some 100,000 farmers” through the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme that includes land of high value in terms of nature and biodiversity.
ACRES
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was also discussed.
Minister Heydon said: “In Budget 2026, I secured €280 million for ACRES, our flagship agri-environmental scheme, with almost 54,000 farmers currently participating.
“Through both the general and co-operation approaches, farmers undertake targeted actions that improve and create habitats, establish hedgerows and native trees, restore peatlands and support priority species.
“More than one million hectares have now been scored for habitat condition under the scheme, demonstrating the scale of biodiversity action taking place across Irish farms.”
The minister said that Ireland has demonstrated leadership through European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects, which showcase the success of locally-led, farmer-centred approaches to biodiversity conservation.
He said: “Earlier this year, I announced €17.8 million for 11 new EIP projects focused on environmental sustainability, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity enhancement and soil health.
“Outside the CAP Strategic Plan, my department continues to support biodiversity through collaboration with other government departments on EU LIFE projects and is an active supporter of the All-Island Pollinator Plan protecting pollinators and their habitats.”
Afforestation
Afforestation is another rewilding activity supported by the government.
Over €221.5 million has been paid out in afforestation scheme farmer payments from 2021 to 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Minister of State Niall Collins, who has responsibility for forestry, said last month that the grants available under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme include an annual income tax-free premium payment for applicants.
These are made for a period of 20 years for applicants with farmer status and 15 years for other applicants.
Minister Collins said that forest owners can apply online for their forestry premiums through the department’s online services website, AgFood.ie.
"This facility is open all year, with applications processed as they are received, and payments are issued on a weekly basis," he said.
Nature Restoration Scheme
A major report on Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan was released in April.
The Independent Advisory Committee’s (IAC's) report sets out 94 recommendations to guide how Ireland will meet its obligations under the EU Nature Restoration Law.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan told Agriland that the Nature Restoration Plan will not “displace farming”.
The report did discuss funding for farmers, emphasising the need for new payments, separate from existing ones.
It said: “A step change in ambition will be required to devise new, accessible and funded schemes to adequately reward farmers, foresters and other land owners and land trusts who wish to participate in nature restoration schemes.
“Current agri-environmental and forestry schemes must be reviewed to ensure they are not in conflict with the national Nature Restoration Plan, with additional measures required to be funded through new schemes separate to the CAP."
The report called on the state to put in place "a robust system of financial incentives and regulatory protections that support all farmers as essential partners in restoring ecosystems”.
