On 3 December, Minister Heydon confirmed that €9.5 million in Protein Aid Scheme payments are now being issued.
The Protein Aid Scheme was introduced to support tillage farmers in establishing nitrogen-fixing crops, while also reducing reliance on imported protein for animal feed. These benefits are reflected in the significant increase in the payment rate in 2025.
Protein crops such as beans, peas, lupins and the protein cereal mix are nitrogen-fixing, provide important environmental benefits, and offer a domestically produced source of protein for animal feed.
In 2025, €10 million has been allocated to the Protein Aid Scheme, and payments are now being issued to approximately 1,586 applicants. The rate has been set at €600 per hectare for beans, peas, lupins and soya, with a half-rate payment of €300 per hectare for the protein cereal mix.
The Minister emphasised that the scheme has been a major success, noting that, alongside other support measures, it forms a key part of the Government’s commitment to strengthening and promoting crop production.
It should be noted that not all applications are currently cleared for payment under the Protein Aid Scheme. Regular pay runs will continue in the coming weeks to ensure that cleared cases are processed for payment as quickly as possible.
Farmers can contact the Helpdesk at 057-8674422. Queries may also be submitted online or by email to Tillage@agriculture.gov.ie.
To learn more about Protein Aid Scheme, click here.




