Growing of Perennial Crops
Transitional activity covering the cultivation of perennial crops using practices that enhance soil carbon sequestration and reduce agricultural emissions.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
As a transitional activity, the growing of perennial crops must demonstrate a net GHG reduction through enhanced soil carbon sequestration and reduced emissions from cultivation practices. The operator must implement a farm sustainability plan that includes at least three of the following practices: cover cropping, reduced tillage, organic mulching, agroforestry integration, optimised nitrogen management, or precision agriculture techniques.
Soil organic carbon levels must be measured at baseline and monitored at intervals of no more than five years using recognised methodologies. The activity must achieve either a demonstrable increase in soil organic carbon or maintenance of already high levels, alongside a reduction in direct and indirect N2O emissions per hectare compared to conventional practice in the region.
No technology lock-in is permitted. The activity must not prevent the transition to a fully sustainable and climate-neutral agricultural system.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
A Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment under Appendix A must be completed, covering water stress, heat damage to crops, frost risk changes, and pest and disease shifts. Adaptation measures such as drought-resistant cultivar selection and irrigation efficiency improvements must be incorporated into the farm plan.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
Irrigation must comply with water abstraction permits and must not cause deterioration of water bodies under the Water Framework Directive. A water management plan must be in place that includes efficiency measures and nutrient runoff prevention.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Crop residues and pruning waste must be managed sustainably, prioritising soil incorporation, composting, or biomass energy recovery. Packaging and input waste must be collected and recycled according to the Waste Framework Directive.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Pesticide use must comply with Directive 2009/128/EC and follow integrated pest management principles. WHO Class Ia and Ib pesticides are prohibited. Fertiliser application must be based on soil analysis to minimise over-application and environmental contamination.
DNSH: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
The activity must not convert natural or high-biodiversity habitats. At least 10% of the agricultural area must be dedicated to biodiversity-supporting features such as hedgerows, buffer strips, or flower margins. Pollinator habitat must be maintained or enhanced.