The script for agri-schemes funding in Budget 2022 did not deviate much from the previous year, with the majority of schemes rolled over without any changes.

Some €872m has been allocated to rural development and forestry supports.

Starting with the big ticket items, the Areas of Natural Constraint will continue to see funding of €250m available.

The Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) is being rolled over with funding of approximately €200m, ensuring there is no break in the main agri-environmental scheme under transitional arrangements pending the introduction of the new CAP in 2023.

An additional €80m in funds has been allocated again to the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme.

There is a slight change, in that there will be specific supports for solar energy installation in 2022 via grant aid, increasing from 40% to 60%.

Over €80m is allocated to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Sucklers.

Funding for the Sheep Welfare Scheme will increase by €2m to €2.5m to reach almost €20m, due to the reference year changing to 2017 from the previous timeline of an average of 2014 and 2015 ewe numbers. Some €5m is also provided for the Dairy Calf Beef Programme to continue.

Funding for organic farming has doubled over the last two budgets, with an additional €5m bringing the total funding to €21m for 2022 and providing an opportunity to reopen the scheme to new applicants next year.

The Protein Aid Scheme is unchanged, with a fund of €3m, while the Straw Incorporation Measure is continuing with similar funding of €10m.