The fifth year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme begins on 1 February, 2021 and is open for new entrants to sheep farming.
Funding of €17 million has been secured to extend the scheme for a fifth year. Existing participants in the Government scheme will automatically be enrolled in year 5 and do not need to take any further action.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said he had listened to farmers and added: “Updating the reference year of 2017 is an important step in supporting progressive and expanding sheep farmers.”
The extension of the scheme will need an amendment to Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and the EU Commission notified.
The Sheep Welfare Scheme was launched in December 2016 and provides a valuable support to farmers for undertaking actions which make a positive contribution to flock welfare.
For purposes of the scheme eligible applicants have either: applied for a new herd number in the period 1 January to the 31 December in the year preceding the scheme year or are an existing applicant with an existing herd number who has not held or traded in sheep for a two year period up to 31 October preceding the scheme year.
Application forms are available by contacting the Sheep Welfare Scheme at sheepscheme@agriculture.gov.ie or by phone on 076/1064420
LSL News.
Looking for application form for sheep welfare scheme