Farmers who grow protein crops in 2023 could be paid as much as €700/ha if the area planted is only 10,000ha.

While the area is unlikely to be this low there are reports among industry that farmers are slow to move to plant beans even though the crop does not require any nitrogen fertiliser, has low pesticide inputs, adds benefit to the soil and comes with a CAP support payment.

Fears of a late harvest is thought to be one of the main concerns among growers.

In 2021 9,710ha of protein crops were planted. This figure increased to 10,853ha in 2022.

Over the five years of the new CAP growers are guaranteed a payment of at least €350/ha and the maximum payment moves downwards each year.

The maximum payment in 2023 is €700/ha, in 2024 is €600/ha, in 2025 is €480/ha and in 2026 and 2027 is €420/ha.

However, if the Government’s target of 20,000ha of protein crops is reached the payment will be the minimum €350/ha.

If the area planted increased to approximately 12,000ha, the payment would come in at around €583/ha.

So, 2023 looks like a good year to maximise payments under the scheme.