McConalogue extends application deadline for new sheep farmers scheme

The application deadline for a new sheep farmers scheme has been extended by a month. 

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today (December 6) announced the extension for the Sheep Improvement Scheme to January 9, 2023 in order to give "as much time as possible" to apply. 

He said, "I have decided to extend the deadline for applications to 9th January 2023. I want to give as much time as possible to farmers and advisors to fully familarise themselves with the requirements of the scheme and to submit their application online.

"I know the new Sheep Improvement Scheme will be a key part of sheep farmers’ farming systems over the course of the CAP. It will be a really important scheme for driving improvements in the flock as well as being an income support for farmers.”

Eligible farmers will be paid €12 per breeding ewe and the scheme will run from February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. 

Reductions in payment will apply where not all actions are completed. 

Applications for the scheme can be made by the farmer or by a Farm Advisory System (FAS) approved Advisor via the application facility on www.agfood.ie. 

If a farmer or advisor has any problems logging into www.agfood.ie, they can contact the Department at agfood@agriculture.gov.ie or 049-4368288.

For any further information on the scheme, contact the Department by phone or email by the following:

Phone: 057-8674422

Email: sheepscheme@agriculture.gov.ie