EU scheme aims to reward farmers who play their part in preserving the landscape

FARMERS across Connemara could receive a major income boost over the coming years if the pilot Wild Atlantic Nature Project is expanded and if it ‘proves to be flexible’, farming representatives have said this week.

The project is being piloted in the Owenduff/Nephin SAC (Special Area of Conservation)  in Mayo this year and through 2022, with a view to expanding it in an area stretching from Galway Bay up to Donegal.

IFA National Rural Development Chairman, Michael Biggins, told the Farming Tribune that the project had real potential in terms of providing an income boost for farmers in environmentally sensitive farmers.

“This is a very small initial pilot project in Owenduff and Nephin with only 70 farmers involved but the overall aim is to expand it along the western coastal area from Galway Bay up to Donegal.

“There are genuine hopes that it will be expanded and that it will complement, rather than replace, any existing schemes which farmers are involved in.

“Payments will be made on a scored basis with the emphasis on participating farmers preserving and maintaining the existing landscape and vegetation, rather than having to put in place any new measures,” said Michael Biggins.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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