€19m in payments begin issuing to sheep farmers
The Sheep Improvement Scheme provides support to sheep farmers for carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. Picture: David Creedon
€19m in payments under the Sheep Improvement Scheme have commenced issuing to farmers this week.
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.
Payments have started issuing to 17,000 farmers.
"This is the first year of the new scheme as part of the CAP and builds on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme by providing increased support for actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector," Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said.
"The issuing of payment is crucial to the sheep sector and farm families. I know the importance of getting payments out to applicants as quickly as possible.
"Payments commencing today is a significant milestone achieved and is in line with the date notified to farmers."
The minister said that payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days, and the department will continue to process all remaining cases for payment as they meet scheme criteria.
The payments currently issuing are an 85% advance payment on the Sheep Improvement Scheme.
The 15% of balancing payments are due to commence in May 2024.
