Protein Aid Scheme

A coupled payment is available for growing protein crops.

Ireland has decided to use €3million of the Basic Payment ceiling under CAP to provide a coupled payment for nitrogen fixing crops, also referred to as protein crops.

The crops eligible for payment are beans, peas and lupins.

Payment

The maximum rate of aid payable is €250 per hectare. However, if in a scheme year the amount of aid claimed by applicants exceeds the ceiling of €3 million, the rate of aid payable will be reduced on a pro-rata basis to ensure respect for the ceiling.

Payment will be made from December 1st each year.

Inspection

5% of applicants under the Protein Aid Scheme will be selected for inspection to ensure compliance with the rules of the scheme.