Protein Aid Scheme
A coupled payment is available for growing protein crops.
Ireland has decided to use €3million of the Basic Payment ceiling under CAP to provide a Protein Aid Scheme which provides a coupled payment for growing nitrogen fixing crops, also referred to as protein crops.
The crops eligible for payment are beans, peas and lupins.
Payment
The maximum rate of aid payable is €250 per hectare. However, if in a scheme year the amount of aid claimed by applicants exceeds the ceiling of €3 million, the rate of aid payable will be reduced on a pro-rata basis to ensure respect for the ceiling.
Payment will be made from December 1st each year.
Inspection
5% of applicants under the Protein Aid Scheme will be selected for inspection to ensure compliance with the rules of the scheme.
