Protein Aid Scheme
| Information last updated May 19th, 2023 All details are taken from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine ‘Schemes & Payments’ section located here. Please check this section for the latest information and updates relating to Farm Schemes & Payments. |
What is the Protein Aid Scheme?
The Protein Aid Scheme is a payment to farmers for growing beans, peas, and lupins. These crops, which are nitogren-fixing, provide important environmental benefits. They are also a domestically-produced source of protein for animal feed.
How to Qualify
Submit a valid 2023 BISS and other area-based schemes application declaring their land located within the jurisdiction of Ireland, grow the crops eligible for support and apply for Protein Aid.
Have eligible crops declared on the BISS application, as set out below:
- Beans
- Peas
- Lupins
- Soyabean
- Protein/cereal mix crop
The Protein/Cereal Mix Crop is a crop that has a seed mix with protein crop seed accounting for at least 50% of the seeding rate and the remainder made up of a cereal seed.
Rates of Payment
The payment rate depends on uptake but is likely to be in the region of €500-€590 per hectare for beans, peas, lupins, and soya in 2023. The protein/cereal mix crop is expected to be paid at half the full protein crop rate i.e. €250-€270 per hectare. The rate of aid payable varies each year.
How to Apply
You apply for Protein aid as part of the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application.
Terms and Conditions
The Protein Scheme Terms and Conditions are contained within the 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability and related area-based scheme Terms and Conditions, available here.
Contact
Protein Schemes
Address: Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois , R32 PRA6
Email: protein@agriculture.gov.ie
Phone number: +353 57 8674422