Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, announced that payments have commenced to tillage farmers under the 2022 Protein Aid Scheme, Protein/Cereal Mix Scheme and the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM).
Minister McConalogue stated, “I am delighted to confirm these important payments are now issuing to tillage farmers. Under SIM, over €10.6 million will be paid to approximately 2,400 tillage farmers. This is an increase from 1,800 tillage farmers paid almost €8 million at this stage in 2022. Based on its success since its introduction, I have decided to include the Straw Incorporation Measure is included in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, with a commitment to run an annual scheme for the next five years in 2023-2027. This clearly underlines mine and the government’s long-term commitment to the tillage sector in Ireland.”
“I am also happy to announce that payments of over €3.2 million have commenced under the Protein Aid supports to some 1,000 farmers. In March 2022, arising from the situation in Ukraine, I guaranteed a payment of €300 per hectare for the protein crops. I also put in place the Protein/Cereal Mix Crop Scheme, to support farmers growing mixed crops.”
The Minister concluded, “both schemes have proven to be really popular with tillage farmers in 2022, while also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the tillage sector. In 2023, I have provided a €10 million budget for the Straw Incorporation Measure and I have more than doubled the annual budget for Protein Aid from €3 million to €7 million under the CAP Strategic Plan.”
Payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days.
