Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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317. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the issues farmers applying under the Liming Programme are experiencing (details supplied); the assistance that is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Liming Programme 2023 is open for applications until 20th April. The Programme will provide a financial contribution to participating farmers per tonne of lime applied, with the objective of neutralising soil acidity and improving the availability of nutrients in the soil, thereby reducing overall fertiliser use.

My Department is aware of current strong farmer demand for soil analysis which is resulting in longer than normal turnaround times for at least some of the laboratories that provide this service. However, the Liming Programme does not require soil reports be submitted at application stage. It must be pointed out however that support for lime is only available in line with recommendations per soil reports for the farm. When their soil analysis reports become available, they can claim up to the amount of lime indicated as required on those reports.

Under the Liming Programme the latest date for spreading lime and submitting claims is 31st October 2023. Therefore, all applicants should have sufficient time to get their soil analysis completed if they wish.