Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue has today (Tuesday, March 5) announced the opening of the 2024 Multi-species Sward and Red Clover Silage Measures.
These measures were introduced to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming, which have a positive impact on climate emissions, biodiversity and water quality.
Launching the measures, Minister McConalogue said: “Following on from the success of the two previous years programmes, I welcome the reopening of these two measures which will expand on the areas already established.
“As part of the ongoing commitment by this government to support and improve the sustainability of farming, the 2024 budget will be €2.5 million for the measures.
“A payment rate of up to €300/ha has been retained and will allow for the continuing support in establishing these swards that assist farmers reduce their chemical fertilise usage.”
The minister added that the establishment of red clover silage and multi-species swards creates opportunities for farmers to improve the environmental and sustainability of their farming systems.
Benefits of multi-species swards and red clover
Minister McConalogue has said that these swards have several positive effects including helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving biodiversity and water quality, while contributing to sustainability and productivity of Irish farmers.
“Research from Teagasc and UCD [University College Dublin] has shown that multi-species swards reduce dependency on chemical nitrogen while maintaining forage quality and quantity,” Minister McConalogue said.
“Teagasc has shown red clover silage can lead to higher animal intake and increased liveweight gains or increased milk and protein yields.”
Minister of State for land use and biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Pippa Hackett added: “The development of red clover silage and multi-species swards is hugely positive for farmers.
“It allows farmers to explore the use of these crops within their farming system and offers real opportunities to reduce the use of inputs
“Today’s measures are further evidence of the government’s support for farmers who wish to move to more environmentally sustainable methods of farming.
“These swards will have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and water quality. They also provide a strong economic benefit to farmers are hugely important for the future of Irish farming,” she added.
Applications
Minister McConalogue has stated that in order to simplify the application process in 2024, applications can now be made through the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) online application system.
He said that this enhancement will make it easier to apply for the measures and streamlines the process for both farmers and agents.
Research work carried out on multi-species swards has shown an ability to produce higher dry matter yields from lower nitrogen fertiliser inputs.
Red clover, due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, produces fodder higher in protein than conventional silage and will assist farmers in reducing their concentrate feed bills, according to researchers.
Payments will be made directly to approved applicants at a rate of up to €300/ha for the establishment of these swards.
To keep the measures within the available budget, the payment rate per hectare will be reduced, as appropriate, if eligible applications exceed the available combined budget of €2.5 million for these measures, according to DAFM.
Under the measures, swards are not permitted to be sown on Commonage land, Natura 2000 sites, NHA designated land, environmentally sensitive permanent grassland or within archaeological monument buffer zones.
To be eligible under these measures the swards must be sown between July 16, 2023 and July 15, 2024 and established by September 30, 2024.
After application, the applicant will receive notification through the BISS online system to upload onto the BISS system copies of receipts and seed labels, and if requested, geo-tagged photos of the established crop.