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The €1.5m calf investment scheme (CIS) has opened for applications, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has announced.
The scheme will remain open for applications until 28 January.
The CIS will provide farmers with grant aid to the value of 40% for investments in calf rearing equipment, including calf feeders, computerised calf feeders and milk carts. Farmers who invest in feeding equipment can apply for further support on other items such as feed barriers and milk heaters.
There is a minimum investment threshold of €1,000 and a maximum of €7,500, making maximum grant aid available per farm €3,000.
Applications
Minister Creed said: “This is a new scheme which will add significant capacity on Irish farms for the rearing of calves and will further enhance the health and welfare credentials of Irish agriculture.
“I would urge farmers to consider investing in these measures and hope to see a high level of uptake under this initiative.”
Application forms, which must be submitted by email, are available from the Department of Agriculture website.
Oversubscription
IFA dairy chair Tom Phelan said additional funds must be provided in the case of oversubscription. Under the Department’s terms and conditions the payment due to each farmer may be subject to a linear cut in the event the scheme is oversubscribed.
Phelan said: “The scheme is an important element in supporting farmers who will need to manage increased numbers of dairy calves next spring.
“While the €1.5m funding is welcome, this is equivalent to only €1 per calf born within the dairy herd. Should the scheme be oversubscribed, it would be vital that additional funding would be made available.”
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