The new Multi-Species Sward Measure has been opened today (Friday, March 25) for applications by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

It is the first element of the €12 million targeted intervention package approved by Cabinet on Tuesday (March 22).

The package aims to support the production of more native crops, and crops with a low demand for chemical fertiliser.

Subject to farmer uptake and seed availability, it is anticipated that the new measure will establish approximately 12,000ha of multi-species swards.

The measure will be delivered by DAFM in co-operation with participating agri-retailers and co-operatives.

Farmers wishing to apply for the scheme should do so through www.agfood.ie by the closing date of April 4, 2022.

Successful applicants will receive a letter which will outline the approved quantity of seed that may be purchased.

This letter must be taken to an approved agri-retailer or co-op where the seed will be purchased.

Farmers who are approved will be eligible for a payment contribution rate of €50 per 12kg bag of multi-species sward seed.

It will cover seed purchased from the farmer’s date of approval until August 31, 2022.

The payment will be made directly to the agri-retailer or co-op, based on returns they submit to the department.

Launching the measure, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, said:

“I am particularly pleased with the co-operation we have received from our Independent agri-retailers and co-operatives who will play a vital role in the operation of the measure.”Minister of State with responsibility for land use and biodiversity Pippa Hackett also strongly welcomed the measure.

"The use of multi-species swards can have a positive impact on emissions and water quality, as well as providing other environmental benefits such as enhanced biodiversity, particularly through pollinators feeding on the variety of flowering plants in multi-species swards.

“Research on multi-species swards has also shown greater resilience to drought, while trials carried out in UCD [University College Dublin] have demonstrated improved anthelmintic properties around lamb production, which is an important element of our One Health Strategy," Hackett stated.