In 2018, a total of 668 farmers applied for the Protein Aid Scheme.

Figures released from the Department of Agriculture show that, to date, 658 growers of either field beans, peas or lupins received a payment of €350/ha last December, totalling €2.6m.

Allocation

This figure is €100/ha higher than the targeted €250/ha, but the total amount paid is approximately €200,000 below the €3m allocated for the scheme.

However, further payment runs for the remaining applications will be in place as these cases clear standard administrative checks, the Department stated.

The total claimed area in 2018 is stated at 8,571ha, 28.53% below the targeted area of 12,000ha.

Early planting

Meanwhile, a small number of growers have taken advantage of the good ground conditions and have started to plant their 2019 bean crop.

The continuation of the Protein Aid Scheme in 2019 has yet to be announced.

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