Co. Kildare based, Caragh Nurseries is working closely with farmers and the Department of Agriculture to achieve the national objectives of ‘GLAS’, the new agri-environment scheme which is part of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The scheme, which stands for Green, Low-Carbon and Agri-Environment ties in with the green vision for Irish agriculture as contained in Food Harvest 2020 and as promoted by Bord Bia. Essentially, the scheme gives farmers grants in order to assist them to preserve our traditional hay meadows and low-input pastures, reduce our carbon footprint and preserve natural wildlife habitats. The scheme also aims to continue to apply agricultural production methods compatible with the protection of the environment, improve water quality, plant trees and orchards and protect the landscape its features and endangered species of flora and fauna.
GLAS is structured as a ‘package’ and offers a maximum payment of €5,000 per applicant per full calendar year for farmers who undertake various environmental commitments. Afforestation is fully compatible with GLAS and is recognised as contributing to the creation of a valuable landscape mosaic at farm-level. “The planting and protection of indigenous hedgerows and trees is a corner stone of GLAS as these provide cover for wild birds and other wildlife,” said Ian McGarry, owner of Caragh Nurseries, “we have been working alongside farmers who wish to avail of the GLAS scheme in order to assist them to choose and plant suitable hedgerows and trees for the Irish countryside which is of vital importance to qualify for the grant. Particular plants attract bees and other pollinators which we need to produce food and fertilise plants, the Irish honey bee is really at risk and it is important that we plant for the future to ensure the viability of our crops and the foods we produce.”
There are three areas of planting which are outlined in the provisions of the scheme and these include planting native hedgerows, planting a grove of native trees or planting a traditional orchard. Each segment has its own requirement and it is worth noting that in two of these three segments planting must be completed by March 2017.
Caragh Nurseries is a 55-acre production nursery located in the pretty village of Caragh, just outside Naas. It is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Ian and Jo McGarry who are well known for their planting knowledge and professionalism. Apart from offering support and product to farmers and commercial customers, Caragh Nurseries is also open to the public. The new Autumn/Winter brochure is hot off the press and is full of ideas and designs to help you make your garden beautiful in time for spring 2017.
www.caraghnurseries.ie
