Home / Environment / P.E.I. Farmers Paid to Delay Hay Harvest for Birds
P.E.I. Farmers Paid to Delay Hay Harvest for Birds
18 Jul
Summary
- Farmers earn $25 per acre to delay hay cutting until after July 15.
- The program protects bobolinks, a threatened grassland bird species.
- Participation is stable, with about 1,200 acres incentivized annually.
Farmers in Prince Edward Island are participating in a program that pays them to delay cutting their hay until after July 15 each summer. This initiative, facilitated by the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program, offers an incentive of $25 per acre. The delayed harvest is crucial for the survival of bobolinks, a small migratory bird protected under the federal Species at Risk Act, allowing young birds to escape farming equipment.
Participation in this program has remained consistent, with around 1,200 acres of land being incentivized annually. While the payment is described as a 'token of appreciation' rather than full compensation for costs, many farmers enroll due to their commitment to biodiversity and supporting species at risk. The program primarily targets marginal land unsuitable for productive farming, and typically involves beef farmers who can accommodate the delayed harvest schedule.
This conservation effort is a collaborative partnership involving organizations like Island Nature Trust, which monitors bobolink populations and ensures compliance with the delayed cutting. ALUS Canada also provides financial support for the program. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and has fostered a positive working relationship among all involved parties.
