A few of us are involved in a little project looking at the potential for a results based approach to future agri-environment schemes in Northern Ireland. This would be a bit different to previous schemes here, such as EFS, which have largely been action based.
A good example of a results based approach has been tested in the west of Ireland, through the Peal Mussel Project.
In the Pearl Mussel Project land was scored for habitat quality and farmers received payments based on their habitat score and supporting payments for actions to improve habitat quality on their farm.
As part of the project we are looking to design a pilot scheme focused on improving water quality. We would be interested to hear peoples ideas and thoughts on how a pilot of a results based approach could work in Northern Ireland. What would encourage you to get your farm involved in such an approach and what would be off-putting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. All ideas very welcome!
Do you think we could approach this sort of scheme using self assessment? Much the same as our taxes. We do our own scoring using a plant identification app Dept does random checks with big penalties if you are trying to cheat the system.