Ag Minister opens €8m National Liming Programme

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has announced the opening of the National Liming Programme 2023, with funding of €8m.

Launching the measure, Minister McConalogue said, “Soil fertility is the foundation of a profitable and sustainable farm. As part of our response to the price increases in input costs, I am delighted to launch this new €8m National Liming Programme which will help offset part of the expense of using lime.

“Lime is an important component of achieving balanced soil health, improving nutrient use efficiency and thereby reducing the requirements of chemical fertilisers and contributing to both climate and water targets. By having a balanced soil pH, we will reduce the need for artificial fertilisers which is good for the environment and good for the farmer’s pocket.”

The National Liming Programme was an initiative secured by Minister McConalogue as part of Budget 2023 with the aim of assisting farmers to deal with input costs and help them reduce the need for artificial fertilisers.

High annual rainfall along with our crop and livestock production can remove lime from our soils. Results from the Teagasc Soil Fertility Report in 2022 indicate that while soil fertility nationally has improved it is still estimated that up to 57% of our soils require lime.

Farmers wishing to apply for the Liming Programme should apply through www.agfood.ie by the closing date of 20th April 2023.