Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
69. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the expansion of the lime scheme and making it available for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46949/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to increased input costs arising from the war in Ukraine, I introduced the Liming Programme earlier this year.
This was a once-off measure to incentivise the use of ground limestone, commonly called lime, a natural soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity, make 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.
Since the scheme closed for applications, I have made two interventions on the original terms securing more money and more time to maximise the number of participants paid and to give as much flexibility as possible.
A total of approximately 38,500 farmers were approved to participate in the Programme and I secured a doubling of the budget from €8m to €16m in order to meet this huge demand.
In relation to the timing of spreading, the Deputy may be aware that on the 6th of October I announced important flexibility regarding the deadline for the spreading of lime under the 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 of 2023 which have significantly impacted soil trafficability and hence many farmer's ability to spread lime.
As stated already, the National Liming Programme is supported as a once-off measure in response to the war in Ukraine. It is funded by the National Exchequer under the current year's budget.
Invoices/Receipts with proof of payment must be submitted by the 31st of October this year to allow administrative checks to be completed in order for my Department to make payments to all eligible farmers before the end of this year.
While I have considered the matter, unfortunately there is no funding available within Budget 2024 for this measure and therefore it will not be possible to continue the Programme in 2024.
