In June, the project community and the managers of semi-natural grasslands met with the Irish Wild Atlantic Nature team and local land managers to discuss their grassland support measures, share experiences, and encourage cross-project and cross-sector collaboration. We received a comprehensive overview of various LIFE projects that have facilitated the implementation of results-based support in Ireland, and we also presented our own results-based support testing in Estonia.

Support schemes implemented in Estonia continue to be activity-based, i.e. support is received once the agreed activities have been completed within a specified timeframe – for example, once the heritage meadow has been mown or grazed. In Ireland, however, the maintenance allowance is paid based on a points system, and there are no compulsory activities for farmers in advance. A maximum of 10 points can be obtained, with a minimum of 4 points being paid. Additionally, extra activities will be supported to help landowners improve the quality of the areas they maintain.

Out on the meadows, we met local farmers who were very happy with the current support being provided because it has helped them to develop a better understanding of and appreciation for their meadows. The meadow evaluation forms were helpful because they were compiled from the farmer’s point of view, enabling them to understand the state of their area and identify any problems. Once they have an understanding of the problem, farmers are able to choose activities to improve the condition of the site, for example, they can choose a different grazing load.

Performance-based subsidies are increasingly being implemented across Europe, and we have taken the first steps in cooperation with farmers in the LIFE IP “FirEst&FarmLand” project by assessing the value of semi-natural grasslands. As we still have a long way to go, Irish recommendations and long-term experience are invaluable in further developing Estonian support schemes.