An extension to the date by which lime must be spread under the National Liming Programme has been announced today (Wednesday, March 13).
The final date for spreading of lime purchased under the National Liming Programme will now be Friday, June 28, 2024, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said.
The announcement appears to be a u-turn after the minister repeatedly ruled out allowing more time to spread lime previously as a “generous extension” had already been granted.
“I recognise the challenges farmers have faced trying to spread lime due to the high levels of rainfall recorded since last July.
“This has significantly impacted soil trafficability and therefore farmers ability to spread lime.
“The flexibility being announced today will give farmers an opportunity to apply lime when ground conditions are more favourable,” Minister McConalogue said.
National Liming Programme
Over 14,500 claims were submitted under the National Liming Programme with advance payments issued to farmers in the final months of 2023.
Payments were conditional on the purchase of lime no later than November 7, 2023, and subsequent spreading before March 31, 2024. This date is now extended until June 28.
Farmers are reminded that failure to adhere to the conditions of the scheme regarding spreading will result in recoupment of aid already paid.
The programme was introduced in 2023 to incentivise the use of lime as a natural soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity, make nutrients more available for plant uptake and improves soil health.