The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD has announced a doubling of the budget for the Liming Programme 2023 in response to the large number of applicants. This increase brings the budget for the scheme to €16m, a 100% increase on the original €8m allocated to the scheme in Budget 2023.
The Liming Programme was introduced by the Minister’s Department earlier this year to incentivise the use of Lime, to correct soil acidity, make nutrients more available for plant uptake, and improve overall soil health. There was a phenomenal level of interest in the National Liming Programme with almost 41,000 applications received by the closing date of 20th April 2023.
The budget increase will facilitate approval for up to 40 tonnes of lime per eligible applicant. All eligible applicants will shortly receive a Letter of Approval from the Department confirming their eligible tonnage of lime.
Speaking about the funding, Minister McConalogue said, “the level of applications for the Liming Programme is a clear indication of the importance farmers place on optimising soil health and improving their environmental sustainability. In light of the phenomenal demand expressed by farmers, I am delighted to be able to announce a doubling of the budget for the Programme from the original amount. Here in Tullamore today I’m delighted to be participating in the multi-stakeholder discussion at the Sustainability Village and supports like this liming programme are key to helping the agriculture sector achieve their environmental goals.”
As per the Terms and Conditions of the Liming Programme, to qualify for aid it is not necessary to wait for the Letter of Approval before purchasing and applying lime. The claims system is now open on www.agfood.ie and invoices can be up-loaded from now onwards for eligible applicants who have already purchased and spread lime. All claims must be lodged online by 31st October 2023.
