The new measure regarding soil sampling, which is to be included in the eco-scheme as part of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), will be 'of most benefit to suckler and sheep farmers" according to the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA).

Three new options as part of an eco-scheme were announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlies McConalogue, last week.

The three measures are as follows:

The announcement to include the additional measures in the eco-scheme has been welcomed by INHFA president, Vincent Roddy.

He stated: "The inclusion of the three additional measures in conjunction to changes made on the existing five measures will ensure the scheme is available to all farmers. 

Roddy pointed to the measure on soil sampling and liming as the one that may be of "most benefit to many suckler and sheep farmers", especially on lowlands. 

For hill farmers, changes to the additional options could, the president maintained, be much more important.

"Farmers will have the ability to deliver on their eco-scheme measures through the flexibility that rewards them for going beyond specific requirements," Roddy explained.

"With farmers on these lands forced to comply with 38 activities requiring consent, there is a very strong case for these lands to be included as part of this measure. We are confident that this can now happen," the INHFA president continued.

On additional flexibilities and clarifications, the INHFA has welcomed consultation by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) with the EU Commission, to allow farmers who choose the native tree option, the choice to plant all trees in the first year.

Roddy said that this makes practical sense in terms of fencing.