€16m now available for farmers in 2023.
Did you know that the National Liming Programme budget has been doubled?
The Minister for Agriculture announced at the Tullamore Show this weekend, that all eligible farmers who applied to the Department of Agriculture’s National Liming Programme are to receive payment for up to 40t of lime. The payment remains at €16/tonne and all farmer claims must be lodged online by 31st October.
The scheme was initially launched earlier this year with a budget of €8m to incentivise the use of Lime as a natural soil conditioner and to help farmers offset part of the expense of using Lime. There was strong interest in the program from farmers around the country, and this weekend Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalougue confirmed that the schemes budget has been doubled to €16m. This budget increase will facilitate approval for up to 40 tonnes of lime per eligible applicant and all eligible applicants will shortly receive a Letter of Approval from the Department confirming their eligible tonnage of lime.
Lime is an important component of achieving balanced soil health, improving nutrient use efficiency and thereby reducing the requirements of chemical fertilisers and contributing to both climate and water targets. By having a balanced soil pH, we will reduce the need for artificial fertilisers which is good for the environment and good for the farmer’s pocket.
Following the announcement, Billy McGrath of McGraths Limestone said that doubling of the budget will be a welcome boost for farmers benefiting from the program.
Follow the links below for more information :
https://www.farmersjournal.ie/liming-scheme-to-pay-farmers-for-up-to-40t-of-lime-778923
McGraths are one of the top producers of agricultural ground Limestone in the West Of Ireland with a TNV (Total Neutralisation Value) of 98.5% and ENV (Effective Neutralising Value) of up to 60%.
