From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today announced the launch of the new Sheep Improvement Scheme and the opening of the online application facility.
Formally opening the new scheme, the Minister said:
“I am pleased to announce the launch of the Sheep Improvement Scheme today and to allow farmers’ applications to be submitted. The scheme has been introduced with the aim of building on the progress under the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS) in the 2014-2022 Rural Development Programme (RDP).”
The Sheep Improvement Scheme, which forms part of Ireland’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027, has been designed to support farmers to undertake actions that improve animal welfare in the sheep sector.
The Minister added:
“Payment under the scheme will be at a rate of €12 per eligible breeding ewe, which is an increase from the €10 per eligible breeding ewe under the Sheep Welfare Scheme. These payments are an important support to sheep farmers in the delivery of key welfare actions and provides a financial boost to the individual farmers and the wider rural economy.”
Applications for the scheme can be made by the farmer or by a Farm Advisory System (FAS) approved Advisor via the application facility on www.agfood.ie. The closing date for the submission of applications is midnight on Monday 19 December 2022.
For further details on the scheme, including a copy of the terms and conditions of the scheme, a Frequently Asked Questions document, and a how to apply guide, are available on the department’s website at: gov.ie - Sheep Improvement Scheme (www.gov.ie).
Applications for the Sheep Improvement Scheme are now being accepted by the department on www.agfood.ie. Farmers can submit the application themselves or they can ask a Farm Advisory System (FAS) approved Advisor to submit an application on their behalf. A list of approved FAS Advisors is also available on the department’s website at: gov.ie - Farm Advisory System (FAS) (www.gov.ie).
If a farmer or advisor has any problems logging into www.agfood.ie, they can contact the department at agfood@agriculture.gov.ie or 049-4368288.
For any further information on the scheme, contact the department by phone or email by the following: