The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today announced that payments have commenced under the Protein Aid Scheme.  The Scheme was introduced as a coupled support in 2015 as part of the implementation of the reformed CAP package in Ireland.

Minister Creed stated “I am delighted to confirm that payments are now issuing under the Protein Aid Scheme. The €3m set aside for this Scheme is an important support for the production of protein crops in Ireland and will be paid to over 1,000 farmers growing in excess of 12,000 ha of beans, peas and lupins.  The rate for this year has been set at €246 / ha. It is particularly important for growers considering the very difficult year experienced by the tillage sector.  It also means that the animal feed compounders have a native source of protein available for inclusion in ruminant rations.  Payments are issuing almost 2 weeks earlier than last year as I am acutely aware of the particular financial pressure being experienced on tillage farms this year”

To view this Press Release as a PDF: DAFMPR 180/2016 (pdf 361Kb) 

Date Released: 07 December 2016