Q&A: €2.75m tillage measure to alleviate fodder shortfall

What is the purpose of the Fodder Production Incentive Measure for Tillage Farmers 2018?

This measure seeks to provide additional fodder to livestock farmers experiencing serious forage shortages.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Measure is available to all farmers with tillage land that submitted a BPS application in 2018.

Can the forage crops be grown on any lands?

The forage crops must be grown on lands declared as tillage on the 2018 BPS application.

What forage types are eligible?

Brassica crops of forage rape, stubble turnips and hybrids of rape/kale and short term grass species such as Italian ryegrass, hybrid ryegrass and Westerwolds are eligible.

Are other grass/seed mixes eligible?

Perennial ryegrass and other grass/seed mixes are ineligible.

What are the payment rates?

The eligible brassica crops will qualify for a payment rate of €100 per hectare and the eligible short term grass species will qualify for a payment rate of €155 per hectare.

Are there payment area limits?

Yes, the minimum area is 3 hectares and the maximum area for payment is 50 hectares

What are the seeding rates required for these crops?

Fodder rape: broadcast 8.6-11kgs/ha, drilled 6.2-4kgs.

Stubble turnips: broadcast 7.4-10kg/ha, drilled 5–6.2kg.

Italian/hybrid ryegrasses/ Westerwolds: 37–44.5kg/ha. It is recommended to follow your agricultural advisor’s advice to establish crops.

Is there a minimum crops in situ period?

The crop must be growing at least eight weeks prior to harvest/grazing in situ and must be maintained/utilised, in the case of grass species only, until at least February 1, 2019. If removed before this date, the application is deemed ineligible. Brassica crops cannot be removed until harvested/grazed in full.

Can I remove a catch crop without grazing or harvesting?

No, the purpose of the measure is to provide additional fodder to alleviate the shortfall of fodder currently.

Is there a cut off sowing date?

The crop must be planted between August 3 and September 15 to be considered eligible for support.

Can I leave a short term grass crop in situ for a number of years and still avail of the measure?

Yes, a tillage farmer may decide to keep the short term grass crop in situ as part of his/her rotation but there should not be a reduction in the tillage area in 2019.

Do I need a contract or proof of use with an end user to draw down the aid?

No, this is not required, but you may be asked for proof of sale of the fodder as part of the administrative or on-farm inspections.

I have tillage and livestock, can I still avail of the measure?

Yes, if there is a shortage of forage on the holding, the forage produced under this measure can be fed to animals on the holding, or sold if you have adequate fodder.

I am in GLAS; can I still avail of the measure?

A GLAS participant may apply for this measure on tillage land not in receipt of GLAS Catch Crop aid.

I have land declared as catch crops to satisfy Greening requirements, can I still avail of the measure?

A participant may apply for this measure on tillage land not declared as catch crops to satisfy Greening requirements

Are there application forms available?

Application forms can be downloaded from DAFM’s website (located in Farming Schemes and Payments link).

What is the closing date?

Applications must be received by close of business, Monday, September 17, at Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Direct Payments Unit (DAFM Support Measure for the Production of Additional Forage 2018), Government Offices, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32 RPA6.

What other paperwork is required?

Farmers must have seed purchase documentation, fertiliser receipts and other supporting documentation such as contractor invoices (if applicable), proof of sale of fodder (if applicable) etc. These may be requested as part of administrative/on-farm checks.

Will there be farm inspections under this measure?

All applications may be subject to on-farm verification by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Such checks will include an examination of seed purchase documentation, evidence that the crop is grown to commercial standard, and is available for grazing by livestock ot it is harvested for own use or sale.

What is the level of funding?

A financial commitment of €2.75m has been secured.

What happens if the value of the applications exceeds the €2.75 million available funding?

An assessment will be made following the closing date. If the funding allocation is fully utilised, a pro-rata reduction may be applied.

Where can I get further information on the measure?

Contact the 076-1064420 direct payments helpline.

Is there a limit to the funding an individual can receive?

Eligibility to receive funding under the Production of Additional Forage Support Measure 2018 depends on the applicant remaining within the €15,000 individual aid limit in the 2016-2018 fiscal years, as set out in Commission Regulation (EU) 1408/2013. Where any aid awarded exceeds this amount, no payment will issue. Schemes under this agriculture de minimis regulations for 2018, 2017, 2016 were the premium from Kerry cattle live calves, BVD scheme, BTAP, STAP, Beef Genomics Scheme, Milking Skills Programme, Dairy.

Development Programme, Superlevy Instalment Scheme, Fodder Damage Aid Scheme 2016, Emergency Flood Damage Relief Scheme 2016, SEAI Scheme (Recording only), Weather Related Crop Loss Support Measure 2017, Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme, Inishowen Flood Relief Measure 2017, and Fodder Transport Support Measures 2018.