New 2023 multi-species and red clover silage schemes have been launched by Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland (DAFM).
Following the success of the 2022 measures, DAFM is increasing funding to €300 per hectare to encourage livestock farmers to sow multi-species or red clover silage swards to reduce reliance on nitrogen fertiliser.
As well as the environmental benefits the schemes bring, there are economic gains too. Not only through the support offered to establish the swards but from the reduced use of applied nitrogen.
Climate smart farming benefits
Germinal Horizon research, in partnership with UCD, has found climate smart farming benefits echoed by McConalogue, including nitrogen fixation, improved soil structure and a reduction in nitrous oxide emissions.
These findings show multi-species and red clover are vital for boosting climate smart grass and forage production.
DAFM Multi-Species Scheme 2023
Multi-species swards provide grazing stock with homegrown protein, energy and minerals while improving soil health and supporting biodiversity. Below are details of our DAFM-compliant multi-species mixture and our how-to guide on establishing and managing multi-species swards.
DAFM-compliant multi-species mix
Multi-species swards guide
Red Clover Silage Scheme 2023
Red clover silage also delivers homegrown protein with the potential to fix more than 150 kg N/ha in the soil and reducing your need for nitrogen fertiliser. With DAFM’s red clover silage scheme now open, you can find out more about our red silage mixture below and how to establish this climate smart crop.
DAFM-compliant red clover silage mix
Red clover guide
Apply now
Entry to the scheme is now open. Applications can be made through agfood.ie until midnight on 29 May 2023.
Please check the full terms and conditions for multi-species and red clover silage before making an application.
Applicants must be approved by DAFM before seed is purchased and crops must be sown before 15th July 2023 on lands declared in the applicant’s 2023 BISS scheme application.
Expert grass and forage advice
If you have any questions about our DAFM-compliant mixtures or how to establish these crops, submit the form below to contact a Germinal grass and forage expert.