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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., 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 2019 Protein Aid Scheme. Since 2015, the financial aid provided under this scheme has been an important support for farmers growing beans, peas, and lupins.  These crops not only provide important environmental benefits, but they also help to provide an indigenous source of protein for animal feed.

The Minister added

€3m has been set aside for the Protein Aid Scheme again this year, and payments are now commencing for the approximately 740 applicants. The rate for this year has been set at €365 per hectare, and this represents an important support for tillage farmers given the financial pressure experienced in the sector this year.

Payments under the main 2019 Schemes commenced in mid-September with the advance payment under the ANC Scheme.  Since that time, a total of €1.63 billion has now been paid out under a range of schemes operated by my Department.