National Liming Programme 2023

This programme is being introduced by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine to incentivise the use of Lime a natural soil conditioner, which corrects soil acidity by neutralising the acids that are present in the soil.

Research has shown that Liming not only increases soil microbial activity but can also unlock soil phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Liming can improve the response to freshly applied N, P, and K, while providing a valuable source of calcium. Trial results have also indicated that increasing soil pH to optimum levels leads to a significant reduction in Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions while simultaneously increasing grass and other crop yields.

Applicants that have submitted a Basic Payment scheme (BPS) application in 2022 and/or a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application in 2023 are eligible to apply.

Closing date for applications is the 20th April 2023. Claims for payment must be submitted by 31st October 2023.

Ground limestone can only be applied in accordance with the lime requirement stated on up-to-date soil analysis reports (maximum of 4 years old from date of purchasing the lime).

Farmers that availed of a Nitrates Derogation in 2022 or 2023 and farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 170kg livestock manure nitrogen/ha prior to export in 2022 are ineligible to participate in this programme

The following land categories are excluded from the Liming Programme, Commonage land, forestry, lands under Natura 2000, NHA/pNHA designation as well as Annex 1 grassland and Environmentally sensitive permanent grassland

Herdowners who are participating or intend to participate in the 2023 Eco-Scheme practice relating to soil sampling and liming are not eligible to participate in this programme.

Approved applicants will receive a financial contribution of €16 per tonne of lime spread, to offset part of the cost of applying Calcium ground limestone (CaCo3) or Magnesium (dolomitic) ground limestone (CaMg (CO3)2).

Subject to budget availability payment will be made on a minimum of 10 tonnes of ground limestone and a maximum of 200 tonnes

Applicants (or their advisor) must complete an Application Form on www.agfood.ie, the Department’s online service by selecting the “AgSchemes-Expression of Interest and then National Liming Programme 2023” from the dropdown list.