'An important income boost' - Fodder scheme payments begin for over 70,000 farmers

Payments to over 70,000 farmers under the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme have commenced. 

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, made the announcement yesterday (November 30), with payments to eligible applicants set to continue over the coming weeks. 

He stated, "I am very pleased that my department has this week commenced these Fodder Support Scheme payments to over 71,000 eligible farmers.

"Issuing payments to farm families in a rapid manner is a key priority of mine and I am proud of our track record in this space. These payments are an important income boost to farmers at this time of year and, of course, are a recognition of the increased input costs farmers are facing as a result of the war in Ukraine and the ongoing cost of living crisis." 

Announced for the first time in June this year, the scheme incentivised farmers - particularly drystock farmers - to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) for the winter period to ensure Ireland avoids any animal welfare issues over the coming winter and next spring. 

With a budget of €56 million, the scheme offers a payment rate of €100 per hectare with a maximum of 10 hectares receiving support. 

Minister McConalogue is encouraging any farmers with queries in relation to the scheme to direct them by email to fss@agriculture.gov.ie. 

The minister also took the opportunity to remind the 71,000 eligible applicants that if they wish to apply for the 2023 version of the scheme they must do so online by midnight on December 5, 2022. 

Payments for 2022 will continue to issue on a regular basis over the coming weeks.