Press release
Minister McConalogue announces commencement of payments under the 2021 Protein Aid Scheme
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., today announced that payments have commenced under the 2021 Protein Aid Scheme.
Minister McConalogue stated,
“I am delighted to confirm that payments are now issuing under the 2021 Protein Aid Scheme. In 2021, €3million has been set aside for the Protein Aid Scheme, and payments are now commencing for the approximately 850 applicants. The rate for this year has been set at €300 per hectare. Payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days.”
The Minister added,
“The payment provided under this scheme is an important support for tillage farmers for the growing of protein crops, including beans, peas and lupins. These protein crops deliver a range of environmental benefits and reduce our reliance on imported source of protein for animal feed."
“I know the value of the Protein Aid Scheme to farmers and to the environment. That is why I have proposed to more than double the annual budget from €3m to €7m under the next CAP which will commence in 2023.”
Note for Editors
The Protein Scheme is a voluntary coupled support scheme funded by the EU under Article 52 of EU regulation 1307/2013. Introduced in 2015 to provide support for the growing of protein crops to counter act the dependence on imported protein for use in animal feeds