Today the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries announced details of the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and the Natura 2000 Scheme.

The Objectives of the Schemes are:

• to promote biodiversity, encourage water management/quality and combat climate change, and
• to contribute to positive environmental management of farmed Natura 2000 sites and river catchments in the implementation of the Birds Directive, Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive.

General Provisions of the Schemes are:

• The Schemes shall be administered by the Department and shall operate throughout the State.
• The Schemes are jointly funded by the European Union and the National Exchequer.
• The Schemes shall come into operation on 30 March 2010.
• Farmers participating in the Organic Farming Scheme may also participate in and draw down payment under these Schemes.
• Undertakings shall be for a minimum period of five years.
• Participation in the Schemes is voluntary.

Completed applications must be submitted no later than 15 May. (In any year in which 15 May falls on a Saturday or Sunday, applications must be submitted on the next working day.)

Download AEOS Terms and Conditions [pdf]