Alan Dillon
Question:100. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the lime scheme to next July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46903/23]
View answerThursday, 26 October 2023
Questions (100)
Written answers
In response to increased input costs arising from the war in Ukraine, the Liming Programme was introduced by my Department earlier this year as a once-off measure to incentivise the use of ground limestone, a natural soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity, makes nutrients more available for plant uptake, and improves overall soil health. This in turn has a positive impact on the crop's response to applied nutrients, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertiliser.
As the Deputy will likely be aware, on the 6th of October I announced important flexibility regarding the deadline for the spreading of lime under the National Liming Programme.
While the deadline of the 31st of October 2023 remains in place for receipt of claims for payment, applicants have until the 31st of March 2024 to spread the approved quantity of lime.
The extension to the spreading deadline was granted in response to the very challenging weather conditions experienced during the summer and autumn this year which have significantly impacted soil trafficability and hence many farmer's ability to spread lime.
As previously stated, the Programme is supported as a once-off measure in 2023 in response to the war in Ukraine that is funded by the National Exchequer. There is no funding provision available for 2024. Therefore claims for payment including Invoices/Receipts with proof of payment must be submitted by the 31st of October, so administrative checks can be completed this year in order to facilitate payments from the 2023 Budget. In line with audit requirements, some verification checks will be carried out early next year to ensure lime has been delivered and spread on farms availing of the extension to the spreading deadline.
The Programme was established and advertised to provide support for farmers that wished to spread lime in 2023. It will not be possible to extend the programme into 2024.