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Some €18m has been included for the continuation of the sheep welfare scheme as part of Budget 2020.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed also said the budget for Bord Bia will be increased by more than €1.6m, with additional funding to promote Irish beef and sheepmeat.
Climate
The minister reiterated the Government mantra of support to plant 8,000ha of forestry – however they have consistently fallen short of this planting target over recent years.
“I am providing more than €103m in support for the forestry sector in recognition of the vital contribution it can make in mitigating climate change and augmenting farm incomes. The adjustments to the programme as a result of the Forestry Review in 2018 have already resulted in a much more diverse species mix than previously,” the minister said.
On-farm investment
An additional €12m will also be provided for on-farm investment for climate friendly measures.
“This will fund investment in a range of environmental and competitiveness measures, including low-emission slurry spreading, solar panels, and slurry storage, as well as support for the horticulture and organics sector,” Minister Creed said.
Some €3m will be made available to fund additional pilot projects aimed at climate measures in agriculture.
This will include a call for a new pilot EIP scheme on the reduced management of farmed peat-land.
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