The programme was introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) earlier this year to incentivise the use of lime, to correct soil acidity, make nutrients more available for plant uptake, and improve overall soil health. Almost 41,000 applications were submitted to the DAFM by the April closing date.
The budget increase will facilitate approval for up to 40 tonnes of lime per eligible applicant. All eligible applicants will shortly receive a letter of approval from the DAFM confirming their eligible tonnage of lime.
Commenting, Minister McConalogue 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.”
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. All claims must be lodged online by October 31, 2023.