The increase in 2014 Sheep Grassland Scheme payments on 2013 payments is welcomed, the IFA have said.

This year's payments which began this week will see €15m paid to almost 30,000 sheep farmers, an increase on the €13m paid in 2013. The €2m increase is from €1m in unused funds and an additional payment of €1m through a saving on modulation.

IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman John Lynskey has welcomed the announcement, saying the area payment rates equate to a payment per ewe varying from about €7.00 to €7.85, depending upon the number of ewes and number of hectares.

The €15m Sheep Grassland payment will be incorporated in the Single Farm Payment of individual sheep famers.

Lynskey said with sheep farm incomes and ewe numbers under pressure, there is a need for increased targeted direct supports for the sheep sector. He said the IFA is determined that sheep farmers have access to the €5,000 GLAS scheme as well as increased availability of the €850 knowledge transfer payment.

Rates of payments under the 2014 Sheep Grassland Scheme

1. Mountain type grazing - 0 – 20ha - €22.02

2. Mountain type grazing - 20 – 84ha - €18.90

3. Lowland - 0 – 30ha - €52.93