Countryside Management and Land Eligibility at Sheep NI 2011

Land Eligibility for land-based schemes will be highlighted by DARD at the Sheep NI 2011 event organised by the National Sheep Association on 4 July in Ballymena.  Such schemes include the Single Farm Payment Scheme, the Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme and Agri-environment Schemes. DARD staff will be available at the Countryside Management exhibit to answer your questions and provide advice.

For sheep farmers it is important to distinguish between eligible land and ineligible features when making correct claims on land based schemes.  The exhibit draws attention to ineligible features and for which a claim cannot be made on the Single Application Form.  It also highlights areas of vegetation where deductions must be made, for example on areas of scrub, bracken or over-mature heather.

Sheep farmers play an important role in managing some of our most important habitats and DARD staff will be available at the event to offer advice on the best way to manage your land to help you comply with land-based schemes.