Doubling of budget for liming programme
An increased budgetary provision has been announced for the Liming Programme 2023, which sees the scheme’s total budget increase from an initial €8m, which was allocated at part of Budget 2023, to €16m.
Due to a high number of applications under the scheme, which creates an incentive for farmers to apply lime to correct soil pH – the first step in correcting soil fertility – eligible applicants can now avail of grant aid for a maximum of 40t of lime for their farms at a rate of €16/t of calcium ground limestone or magnesium (dolomitic) ground limestone delivered and spread.
At the close of the scheme to applications on April 20th, 41,000 applications had been received. All eligible applicants will shortly receive a letter of approval from the department confirming their eligible tonnage of lime.
Announcing the increase in funding at yesterday’s Tullamore Show, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, T.D. 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.”
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 uploaded from now onwards for eligible applicants who have already purchased and spread lime. All claims must be lodged online by October 31st, 2023. The full terms and conditions of the National Liming Programme are available on the Department of Agriculture’s website.
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