The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a deadline reminder to farmers who are participating in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).

This reminder is for farmers whose contracts include a winter bird food action (whether winter bird food plot or winter bird food strip).

As stated in the ACRES specifications for each tranche, the winter bird food crop must be established by May 15 each year for the duration of the contract. 

The deadline this year is accordingly Friday, May 15, 2026.

Winter bird food action

DAFM said: "As you will be aware, harvesting of the crop is not permitted and must remain in situ until March 1 of the following year, and that the winter bird food action must remain in the same location for the duration of the contract.

"As previously advised in the technical notice issued by the department on March 4, 2026, the establishment of the winter bird food action is one of the ACRES actions being monitored by the Area Monitoring System in 2026.

"It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure they comply with the ACRES terms and conditions and the associated specifications (and any amendments thereof) and with the consequences for breaches of the aforementioned."

DAFM said a participant continues to be fully responsible for the implementation of the commitments entered into under the contract for the duration of their contract.