Following on from the package of measures announced at the end of March and the launch of the Tillage Incentive Scheme in early April, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD, has now launched the Protein/Cereal Mix Crop Scheme and updated the Terms and Conditions of the Tillage Incentive Scheme.
Minister McConalogue said, “as part of our response to support the production of protein crops in Ireland, I am delighted to launch the Protein/Cereal Mix Scheme. Supporting domestic production of protein crops will reduce Ireland’s reliance on imported feed materials.”
Minister McConalogue added, “a budget of €1.2 million is available for the Protein/Cereal Mix Crop Scheme and to guarantee a payment of €300 per hectare for the protein crops under the EU Protein Aid Scheme. The payment rate for the Protein/Cereal Mix crop will be €150 per hectare. These payments reflect a contribution towards the increase in the cost of growing crops in 2022.”
Minister McConalogue also added, “the Tillage Incentive Scheme is a new scheme introduced as part of our response to the cost increases currently facing Irish farmers. The Scheme Terms and Conditions have now been updated to clarify the treatment of protein crops, to address queries relating to land not declared in 2021 and to provide specific references to the Agricultural Appeals Office and the EU Temporary Crisis Framework.”
Farmers wishing to apply for the Tillage Incentive Scheme, Protein Aid and Protein/Cereal Mix (50/50) Crop Scheme should declare the eligible crops on their 2022 BPS application on www.agfood.ie by the closing date of 16th May 2022. The crops declared on your 2022 Basic Payment Scheme application will be the basis for entry into these schemes and for any future payments under the schemes.
Further information including terms and conditions and FAQ are available on the Department website.
