Claire Kerrane
Question:182. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers participating in the sheep improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55570/23]
View answerWednesday, 13 December 2023
Questions (182)
Written answers
The Sheep Improvement Scheme is funded under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. It provides support to sheep farmers for carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector and builds on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS), which has now come to an end.
The first year of this 5-year scheme will run from the 1st February 2023 to the 31st of December 2023. With effect from Year 2 of the scheme, the scheme year will run from the 1st of January to the 31st of December annually.
The scheme closed to applicants on 9th January 2023. The number of farmers currently participating in year 1 of the scheme is 18,523. Advance payments commenced to all eligible applicants from 20th November 2023. Payments will continue to issue as applicants meet scheme requirements.