Paragraph 6 Eligible scheme actions; multi-species winter cover cropF1

Northern Ireland

(1)

The criteria in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) apply to this action.

(2)

This action must be completed on arable land.

(3)

An applicant establishing multi-species winter cover-crop must–

(a)

not apply inorganic fertiliser;

(b)

establish it across a minimum area of 0.1 hectare in line with normal husbandry practice;

(c)

use a seed mix containing at least 4 species from 2 or more of the following plant families–

(i)

brassicas;

(ii)

legumes;

(iii)

cereals or grasses; and

(iv)

herbs;

(d)

retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used; and

(e)

retain it until 15th February 2027 and then destroy it in line with normal husbandry practice.

(4)

This action must not be completed on permanent grassland sensitive areas.

Annotations

F1: Sch. 1 para. 6 substituted (25.6.2026) by The Farming with Nature Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (S.R. 2026/105), regs. 1(1), 2(7)(e)