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2024 Multi Species Sward Measure
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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This Measure aims to incentivise farmers to establish Multi Species Swards, which will reduce the reliance on nitrogen fertilisers and promote a more sustainable method of farming. A financial contribution will be provided to participating applicants to offset part of the cost that farmers will incur in the establishment of these swards. This measure will build on the areas established under the 2022 and 2023 programmes and will make a positive contribution to targets set under the EU Green Deal strategies including the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategy as well as goals set in the Climate Action Plan 2023.
Research work carried out on multi-species swards has shown positive results around low nitrogen fertiliser use, which will have a beneficial impact on nitrous oxide emissions. Other benefits arising from this Measure include improved biodiversity, greater tolerance to drought conditions and reduced anthelmintic requirements due to the presence of chicory and plantain.
The 2024 payment is €300 per hectare, to a maximum area of 20 hectares for the establishment of Multi Species Swards mix sown between the 16th July 2023 and 15th July 2024. A reduced payment rate per hectare will apply as appropriate if eligible applications exceed the available budget for the Measure.
Application for support must be made through the BISS online application system, with a closing date for applications of 15th May 2024. Following submission of application, applicants be contacted and asked to upload supporting documents (receipts, seed labels) on the BISS online system.
To receive a support under Multi-Species Sward Measure, eligible applicants must:
Be a holder of a registered herd number or have applied for a herd number on or before 15th May 2024.
Submit a valid 2024 BISS and other area-based schemes application declaring at least 1 ha of
• ‘Permanent Pasture (MSS measure)’ - for reseeding permanent pasture with multi-species sward mixture or
• ‘Grass Year 1 (MSS measure)’ - for multi-species sward mixture following an arable crop. The maximum area payable under the measure is 20ha.
Sow the Multi-Species Sward mix at the recommended seeding rates of at least 30kg/ha, by 15th July 2024. The Multi-Species Sward must be successfully established by 30th September 2024.
A 6 species seed mix is required and must contain the minimum quantities per hectare as set out in the Terms & Conditions. If desired, additional species may be added in line with good agricultural practices for the establishment of multi-species swards.
All varieties of Perennial Ryegrasses and any White Clover varieties included in the Red Clover Silage mixture must be included on the DAFM Grass and White Clover Recommended List Varieties for Ireland 2024 .
Under this measure, Multi-Species Swards are not permitted to be sown on Commonage land, Natura 2000sites, NHA designated land, Environmentally Sensitive Permanent Grassland or within archaeological monument buffer zones. Areas declared and claimed as sown under the 2022 or 2023 measures are ineligible for payment.
BISS and other 2024 Area Based Schemes - Terms and Conditions
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Multi Species Swards measure - Your Questions Answered
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Multi-Species Sward Measure
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Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Government Building, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Laois R32 RPA6
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