01/06/2005
New legislation will benefit environment, says Minister
Agriculture Minister Jeff Rooker has approved the introduction of new implementing legislation for the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme.
The ESA Scheme encourages farmers to manage habitats positively, improve water quality, enhance the landscape and protect heritage by integrating good farming practice with the care and protection of the environment.
Mr Rooker said: "In the 15 years of its operation, the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme has made a very positive contribution to maintaining the character and biodiversity of Northern Ireland’s landscape.
"The introduction of this new legislation will bring into effect changes to the ESA Scheme, which will further enhance its environmental and public benefits. These latest changes will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of our unique and attractive countryside, for all to enjoy."
New measures have been added to the ESA scheme, which now includes a new compulsory ‘Whole Farm’ measure. This requires ‘field boundary management’ and ‘farm waste management’ activities, which will further enhance the environmental and public benefits of the scheme.
Payment rates have been recalculated to reflect the additional cost and possible lost income, which may result from complying with these more stringent environmental requirements. These new measures are directly parallel to those recently announced for the Countryside Management Scheme.
It is anticipated that the legislation will come into effect on 8 June.
(MB/GB)
The ESA Scheme encourages farmers to manage habitats positively, improve water quality, enhance the landscape and protect heritage by integrating good farming practice with the care and protection of the environment.
Mr Rooker said: "In the 15 years of its operation, the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme has made a very positive contribution to maintaining the character and biodiversity of Northern Ireland’s landscape.
"The introduction of this new legislation will bring into effect changes to the ESA Scheme, which will further enhance its environmental and public benefits. These latest changes will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of our unique and attractive countryside, for all to enjoy."
New measures have been added to the ESA scheme, which now includes a new compulsory ‘Whole Farm’ measure. This requires ‘field boundary management’ and ‘farm waste management’ activities, which will further enhance the environmental and public benefits of the scheme.
Payment rates have been recalculated to reflect the additional cost and possible lost income, which may result from complying with these more stringent environmental requirements. These new measures are directly parallel to those recently announced for the Countryside Management Scheme.
It is anticipated that the legislation will come into effect on 8 June.
(MB/GB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.