The key aims of the scheme are to care for and enhance the Island’s countryside and to reverse the general degradation of the rural environment.
The financial support is available to all landowners, not just farmers.
Originally known as the Agri Environment Scheme, it was first proposed by the former Agriculture and Fisheries Committee in August 2000 and was approved by the States in July 2002 but without the finances to make it happen.
Last December Senator Dick Shenton brought the scheme back to the political agenda by lodging an amendment to the Budget to add 11p, as well as the proposed 14p increase, to a packet of cigarettes to raise £600,000.
Members voted 31 to 12 in favour and the funding was available for the first year.
