Extension of liming scheme a practical move

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D, has announced an extension to the date by which lime must be spread under the National Liming Programme. Lime, purchased under the scheme, can now be spread by Friday, 28th June 2024.

Announcing the decision, Minister McConalogue said; “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.

“The final date for spreading of lime purchased under the scheme will be 28th June.”

A practical move says IFA

IFA Rural Development chair John Curran acknowledged the extension granted to the spreading date for lime purchased under the National Liming Programme.

The extension, allowing lime to be spread until Fri, June 28th, is common sense given the challenging weather conditions that have hampered farming activities in recent months.

“Weather conditions in recent times have greatly limited the opportunities for farmers to spread lime.
“The announcement of this extension will alleviate pressure on farmers and enable them to optimise lime application for enhanced soil fertility and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Some 14,500 farmers submitted claims for lime purchased under the Programme, but poor land conditions resulting from heavy rainfall have made it difficult to meet the original deadline of Mar 31st.

“Proper application of lime is essential to maximise its benefits. Given that much of the silage ground will not be available for spreading of lime until after the first cut of silage at the earliest, this extension is a more practical move and will assist farmers in embracing more sustainable agricultural practices,” he said.